Eight unions demand in a letter to the Prime Minister an increase in the point value for public employees

Paris – 28.05.2026: Eight unions jointly demanded on Wednesday in a letter to the Prime Minister an increase in the value of the point for public employees. They are requesting the rapid convening of the wage working group, originally scheduled for this week, in order to discuss measures to improve wage development in the public sector. This demand reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current wage development in the face of rising inflation and the associated burdens on workers.

The unions point out that wages in the public sector have not been adequately increased for years, leading to a significant loss of purchasing power for employees. Therefore, the value of the point, which represents the calculation basis for salaries in the public sector, must be increased to mitigate the burdens caused by the rising cost of living and to ensure the attractiveness of public employment as an employer.

In the past, the value of the point has generated controversial debates between the government and social partners. An example is the increase in July 2023 in the French overseas region New Caledonia: there, the value of the point was increased by one percent following union demands, although they had originally requested an increase of 3.5 percent. This measure was seen as a compromise reflecting the limits of state financing.

The government now faces the challenge of finding a balanced solution that takes into account both the needs of public employees and fiscal possibilities. Given the tensions in several public service sectors, pressure on the executive to promptly and satisfactorily resolve the wage issue is increasing.

In addition to the wage issue, working conditions and the long-term guarantee of the quality of public services are also at stake. The unions warn that without proper adjustments, the motivation and performance capacity of many employees could be affected, which would have negative consequences for the administration and citizens.

The convening of the working group is considered a central step in the dialogue between the government and social partners. Observers expect the negotiations to be complex as they involve political, economic, and social interests. Moreover, the results could set precedents for future rounds of collective bargaining and reforms in the public sector.

These current developments show how discussions about the value of the point are closely linked to broader social debates about social justice, budget discipline, and the future of public service. The federal government must now find a response that addresses an increasingly tense working environment in the public sector while preserving the stability of the state budget.