Purchasing power, gender equality, increased wages… These are the major demands of the union demonstrations which took place in France on Friday October 13. At the call of major unions, thousands of people took to the streets in many cities across the country to express their discontent with the current economic situation.
The inter-union, made up of the CFDT, the CGT, FO, the CFTC, the CFE-CGC, the Unsa, Solidaires and the FSU, underlined the importance of gender equality , the increase in salaries, the minimum wage, pensions, social minima and study grants. This mobilization was also supported by youth organizations such as Unef, Fage and Fidl.
Despite these legitimate demands, the first forecasts did not suggest a large-scale movement. Indeed, train traffic was slightly disrupted in certain regions, but TGV traffic was normal. The RATP network in Paris was also functioning normally. Regarding flights, 40% of flights were canceled at Paris-Orly, 20% at Marseille-Provence and 15% at Beauvais.
In parallel with the demonstrations which took place in France, a day of European mobilization was organized in several other countries, such as Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain. French unions thus wish to show their solidarity and strengthen their demands on a European scale.
If these demonstrations did not bring together as many participants as at the start of the year during the mobilizations against the pension reform, they nevertheless constitute a springboard for the discussions which will take place during the social conference organized next week. The unions thus hope to have influence in the negotiations with the head of government, Élisabeth Borne, and to advocate for increased wages and gender equality.
In conclusion, these union demonstrations made it possible to highlight the demands of workers in France, particularly in terms of gender equality and increased wages. Although the movement did not reach the same proportions as during previous mobilizations, it still constitutes an important step in social dialogue and the expression of workers’ expectations. It is now up to political decision-makers to listen and take into account these legitimate demands.