French Unions Resist Austerity: Key Demands Against 2026 Finance Bill
French Unions Stand Firm Against Austerity in 2026 Finance Bill
As France gears up for a critical parliamentary debate on the 2026 Finance Bill, major unions CGT, FSU, and Solidaires have united to confront austerity policies affecting workers and public services. Their strike actions and protests underscore deep resistance to government plans viewed as undermining job security, wages, and social protections.
READ MORE: Major National Strike in France on December 2: Transport and Public Services Disrupted
Unions’ Core Demands Explained
Opposition to public sector job cuts: The government plans to eliminate approximately 3,000 jobs in the public sector as a cost-saving measure. Unions argue these cuts will degrade essential public services and worsen unemployment.
End the salary freeze: Workers face a continuing freeze on salary index points, effectively stalling wage growth amid rising living costs. Unions demand an immediate end to this freeze and wage increases to restore purchasing power.
Abolish increased medical deductibles: The rise in medical out-of-pocket expenses is another sore point, with unions calling for the reversal of policies that increase financial barriers to healthcare access.
Revoke pension reforms: The controversial pension reform involving the so-called “year blank” freezes retirement pension increases until 2030. Unions demand withdrawal of this reform to protect retirees from income loss during inflationary times.
READ MORE: Winter 2025: What French Households Are Cutting First — And What the Latest Data Reveals About 2026
Broader Call for Social, Fiscal, and Environmental Justice
The unions frame their demands within a wider quest for justice, targeting the budget’s overall impact on society:
They criticize the austerity orientation of the bill, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations and secure robust public services.
They urge the government to adopt fiscal policies that promote fairness, including fair taxation and adequate social spending.
Environmental justice is also on their agenda, calling for sustainable budget choices that integrate ecological considerations.
Unions’ Strategy to Influence Budget Outcomes
The decentralized strike on December 2 is designed to amplify pressure on the government as the parliamentary debate unfolds.
By mobilizing workers across sectors and staging widespread demonstrations, unions aim to rally public support and force reconsideration of budget measures.
Their call is both for immediate concessions and long-term policy shifts prioritizing social welfare over austerity.
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