Overview
- The three unions issued a joint call for strikes and demonstrations across France on Tuesday, December 2, opposing what they describe as austerity in the 2026 state and social security budgets.
- They say the mobilization aims to win wage increases, greater resources for public services, and the reversal of the 2023 pension reform, with the CGT reiterating its demand for retirement at 60.
- The appeal invites young people, employees, retirees and the unemployed to participate through strikes and street protests, urging workplace assemblies to set pay-focused demands.
- The unions warn that early parliamentary exchanges signal “catastrophic” consequences without pressure from workers, citing measures they oppose such as doubled medical co-pays, limits on sick leave, public-sector job cuts and a planned pension freeze.
- The call highlights divisions with reformist unions like the CFDT, which is not part of the appeal and backs a points-based retirement system from 2027, as the government hosts a work‑retirement conference after suspending the pension reform.