Sébastien Lecornu Initiates One-Month Talks with Public Sector Unions Amid Wage Dispute and Strike Calls

On November 13, 2026, French Minister Sébastien Lecornu launched a one-month discussion with public sector unions to address low wage revalorization, following a meeting at Matignon. This initiative comes at a critical time as public sector unions, including the CFDT (French Democratic Confederation of Labour), have announced their participation in a strike planned for November 17, reflecting significant unrest among public workers.

Lecornu's proposal focused on increasing low wages but notably did not include any mention of the revaluation of the index point, a key issue for the unions. This omission sparked sharp criticism from the intersyndicale, the coalition of public sector unions, which accused the Prime Minister of being out of touch with workers' realities.

The CFDT's decision to join the strike call marks a significant development, signaling broader mobilization within the public sector. The intersyndicale's reaction highlights deep dissatisfaction with the government's approach, suggesting that while the dialogue is open, many unions feel the current proposals fall short of addressing their core demands.

This month-long discussion period initiated by Lecornu aims to find solutions to the pressing issue of wage stagnation and improve conditions for public employees. However, the ongoing tension and impending strike indicate a challenging negotiation ahead, with the public sector strongly pushing for more substantial reforms.

As the situation develops, the government and unions are expected to engage in continuous dialogue, with the potential for further mobilizations if satisfactory agreements are not reached. The strike on November 17 is poised to be a significant test of the government's ability to negotiate effectively with public sector workers amid growing labor unrest in France.