The climate is warming — a little — between the government and the unions. Invited this Sunday of the program BFM Politique, in partnership with Le Parisien Aujourd'hui en France, Bruno Le Maire welcomed that the CGT has accepted the invitation of Matignon to come and discuss with Elisabeth Borne on May 16 or 17. "This is a very positive signal, a signal of responsibility on the part of the CGT and all the other unions," said the Minister of the Economy. I hope that this will allow us to start discussions on what are the primary concerns of the French people today. »
He cited in particular "purchasing power, inflation and the question of wage remuneration obviously central". These meetings are to take place bilaterally, with representatives of the CFDT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC and therefore the CGT being invited to exchange in turn with the Prime Minister.
Pensions: "I invite everyone to advance the France rather than trample on it," says Bruno Le Maire (@BrunoLeMaire) pic.twitter.com/cSDmWMqTNw
— BFM Politique (@BFMPolitique) May 7, 2023
While he was reminded that the CGT remains opposed to the pension reform, Bruno Le Maire was not worried. "This is part of the known positions of the CGT but they have paved the way on other subjects, including better remuneration of employees, it is a good theme," explained the one who, a little earlier, had called "all companies that can, that have the room for maneuver to continue to increase wages as they have done".
Read alsoRetirement: long careers, insurance period conditions... What we know about the first decrees
Despite the ongoing mobilizations against pensions, the minister reiterated that the "winner" of the reform was "work". And, according to him, "the nation and its pension system": "Solidarity, we must be able to afford it, that's the meaning of this reform. "
The work of seniors
From the beginning of the mobilization against the postponement of the legal age, the unions had pointed out that it was futile to ask the French to work longer when companies separated from their employees after 55 years. The work of seniors "is the next fight," acknowledged Bruno Le Maire. "We must make this access, this maintenance of seniors in employment, one of the priorities," he insisted, praising the "experience, know-how, wisdom" of these employees.
Finally, he regretted that the concerts of pots and pans continue during the trips of Emmanuel Macron or ministers. "People can disagree with us but don't bother making noise. Pans and pans prevent dialogue. I regret that some lock themselves in noise rather than going towards dialogue, "he insisted, also regretting the tabling of the bill of the Liot group on June 8 to repeal the increase in the legal age to 64 years.
Even if it is adopted in the Assembly, this text unless there is a surprise would not be adopted in the Senate. "Do we have time to waste with these legislative artifices?" denounced Bruno Le Maire for whom we must not "spend weeks trampling, in immobility".
