Paris – 28.05.2026: Eight trade unions demanded an increase in the point value for public servants in a joint letter to the Prime Minister on Wednesday. They are urging the swift convening of the salary working group, originally scheduled for this week, to discuss measures to improve salary development in the public sector. The demand reflects growing dissatisfaction with current wage developments in light of rising inflation and the associated burdens on employees.
The trade unions point out that wages in the public sector have not been sufficiently raised for years, causing the purchasing power of employees to suffer significantly. The point value, which forms the calculation basis for salaries in the public sector, must therefore be increased to alleviate the burdens of rising living costs and to secure the attractiveness of the public service as an employer.
In the past, the point value has frequently led to controversial debates between the government and social partners. One example is the increase in July 2023 in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia: There the point value was raised by one percent following trade union demands, although they had originally requested a 3.5 percent increase. This measure was regarded 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 servants and fiscal possibilities. Given the tensions within various sectors of the public service, pressure is mounting on the government to resolve the wage issue promptly and satisfactorily.
Besides the wage issue, the matter also concerns working conditions and the long-term safeguarding of the quality of public services. The trade unions warn that without adequate adjustments, the motivation and performance of many employees could suffer, which would have negative impacts 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 the negotiations to be complex, as they touch on political, economic, and social interests. The results could also set a precedent for further collective bargaining rounds and reforms in the public sector.
These current developments show how closely the discussions about the point value are linked with broader societal debates about social justice, budget discipline, and the future of the public service. The federal government must now find an answer that addresses the increasingly unsettled work environment in the public sector while maintaining state budget stability.
Sources
- Franceinfo