Pensions: unions received in Matignon, CFDT says "very far from an agreement"

After demonstrating on Tuesday against the pension reform project - or against the pivotal age of 64 for the CFDT - union and employer leaders are received in turn, Wednesday, December 18, by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe .

Earlier today, the Elysee Palace announced that Emmanuel Macron "will not abandon or distort" the pension reform project defended by the government, while remaining "willing to improve it", especially on the issue of pivotal age.

Edouard Philippe's day tomorrow pic.twitter.com/gAphonjIzx

"We are very, very far from an agreement," said Laurent Berger (CFDT) when he left Matignon. "The moment to speak of a compromise today would be very premature," also added the secretary general of the CFDT. He also expressed the "intact determination" of his union to "have a universal pension system much fairer and much more united", while reaffirming his opposition to the age of balance desired by the government.

"[Édouard Philippe] reiterated that he wanted this age of balance. He was told that this was not an option for us," said Laurent Berger, while "feeling a willingness to discuss" on d other themes, such as arduousness

Philippe Martinez (CGT), on leaving Matignon, recalled that his organization still asked for "the withdrawal of the bill" and regretted the "ideological position" of the government, which does "nothing to appease ( discontent". "We have not changed: we are asking for withdrawal and to renegotiate the improvement of the current system, but it is two conceptions of social protection that clash," he added.

"Optimism" and "openness" at the CFTC, Unsa and Medef

Other unions, such as Unsa or the CFTC, spoke respectively of "overtures" and "optimism" after their meeting with Edouard Philippe. "We must resume negotiations (...) because we remain convinced that the universal regime is fairer and more equitable," said Cyril Chabanier (CFTC). He also noted that the government was ready to "make proposals to see how we could possibly amend" the retirement age equilibrium provisions.

Laurent Escure, secretary general of Unsa, believes that "there will be new and difficult discussions on arduousness and the end of career." With proposals at the multilateral meeting scheduled for Thursday in Matignon? "(The latter), I hope, will bring some clarifications and an expression from the Prime Minister," he also declared.

The Medef, also received at Matignon, said it was "open" to discussions with the Prime Minister on the age of balance or the arduousness. On the other hand, he "opposed dismissal" to an increase in contributions.

"We cannot continue to increase the contributions. We have in France, for four or five years, made a reverse policy with the CICE. It has probably created a million jobs. On the labor cost side, we risk putting back the countries in a reverse trajectory for unemployment, and on the salaried side, cut off the payroll of employees. I do not think that is what those who demonstrate and those who do not demonstrate are asking, "said the president of the employers’ union, Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux.

Newsletter Don't miss anything from international news

subscribe