Paris – 28.05.2026: Eight unions on Wednesday requested in a joint letter to the Prime Minister an increase of the point value for public sector employees. They are calling for the rapid convening of the salary working group, originally scheduled for this week, in order to discuss measures to improve wage development in the public sector. The request expresses growing discontent regarding the current evolution of wages, in light of rising inflation and the resulting burdens on workers.
The unions emphasize that public sector wages have not been adequately increased for years, causing a significant deterioration in employees’ purchasing power. Therefore, the point value, which forms the basis for calculating salaries in the public sector, must be increased to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living and ensure the attractiveness of the public sector as an employer.
In the past, the point value has often generated controversial debates between the government and social partners. One example was the July 2023 increase in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia: there the point value was increased by one percent at the request of the unions, although they had initially demanded a 3.5 percent increase. This measure was interpreted as a compromise reflecting the limits of state financing.
The government now faces the challenge of finding a balanced solution that considers both the needs of public employees and fiscal possibilities. With tensions present in various public employment sectors, pressure on the government to resolve the wage issue quickly and satisfactorily is growing.
Beyond the wage issue, it is also about working conditions and the long-term safeguarding of the quality of public services. The unions warn that without appropriate adjustments the motivation and efficiency of many workers could suffer, with negative effects on 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 complex negotiations, as they involve political, economic and social interests. The results could also be indicative for further negotiations and reforms in the public sector.
These current developments show how closely discussions about the point value are connected to broader social debates concerning social justice, budgetary discipline and the future of the public sector. The federal government must now find an answer that addresses an increasingly turbulent public work environment while ensuring the stability of the state’s budget.
Sources
- Franceinfo