The negotiations, at the end of 2021, on the national basic salary in the energy sector are considered by the CGT as “not at all satisfactory”. Result: the union has launched a call for a renewable strike in this sector, which includes EDF, from January 25. The objective is to obtain a revaluation of wages and pensions, announced Monday the CGT federation of mines and Energy (FNME-CGT).
This call comes in a context of heightened vigilance with regard to the supply of electricity to France for January, in particular due to a lower availability of its nuclear fleet, at an all-time low for this time of year. The movement could be very followed: the CGT indeed claims the rank of first union in the branch of the electricity and gas industries, with a representativeness of the order of 40%.
The CGT criticizes wages that “do not even keep up with inflation”
“Employees and retirees are demanding an immediate catching up of at least 10% of their salaries and pensions and a recognition worthy of their past, present or future commitment”, indicates the FNME-CGT. “It’s been almost 10 years that our salaries have not even kept up with inflation. This is no longer possible, the employees are fed up. We are fighting both for the public service and then now, also for our salaries and our pensions, ”explains Fabrice Coudour, CGT federal secretary in charge of the claims policy, and employee of EDF SA.
“Strong disruptions in the electricity and gas balance or in business activity will be solely the responsibility of departments deaf to the just demands of employees and retirees”, already warns the FNME-CGT. EDF management indicates for its part to have “taken note” of this call to strike. However, the group indicates that it is still negotiating the 2022 salary measures with the unions and therefore does not wish, at this stage, to comment on the subjects of remuneration.
“There may be an effect on users, but this is not our primary goal”, assures Fabrice Coudour, who wants this movement “to put in economic difficulty” the companies in the sector. “In the event of non-response from our employers, trade union democracy has decided to renew the movement from the 26th, in different forms”, specifies the trade unionist according to whom the development “will adapt to each site, with the strikers”.