French public servants get first increase for six years


The index used as a basis for setting pay for French public servants has been increased by 0.6% this month, ending a pay freeze which has lasted for six years. The increase, which was implemented on 1 July, with a further 0.6% increase promised for 1 February 2017, was agreed with the unions last March. 


The unions argue that rising prices over the period since the last pay increase on 1 July 2010 mean that those working in public services are 8% worse off in real terms, and are calling for additional increases. 


Baptiste Talbot, general secretary of the union CGT Fédération des services publics, said “unfreezing [the index] is undeniably a positive element, but it’s not enough”. The unions are meeting in September to consider their next steps.