French unions to decide strike continuation after Monday social conference

The inter-union body representing eight major national trade unions said it will decide Monday evening whether to continue the protest movement, stressing that only answers to its demands will stop it.

Demonstrations took place in Paris on Saturday, 7 November, called by youth unions and regional union branches including CGT, FO, FSU, Solidaires, and CFDT. The yellow vests coordination also held a separate gathering at Place de la Concorde despite its ban.

“Only answers to our demands will stop the movement.”

Youth collective Interfac has planned another demonstration in Paris for Tuesday, 10 November. Unions and housing rights groups from France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Britain, and Greece are calling for coordinated protests against the high cost of living at the end of November.

Civil servants and young people were absent from Monday's social conference. Civil servants are demanding an unfreezing of their index point.

Matignon announced on Friday that Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou will meet high school and university student representatives on Monday for initial talks, and public sector unions on 13 November.

The government has indicated openness to a minimum wage measure, but its scale will likely fall short of union demands of 100 euros net for CFDT and around 150 euros for CGT. Farandou called it important to try to cross the threshold of 1,500 euros net, an increase of 22 euros.