French trade unions call for new protests over rising living costs, aligning with student demands and highlighting Corsica's unique challenges.
New demonstration planned in France
Trade unions in France are calling for a new national demonstration on Thursday, November 5, following a recent mobilization against the high cost of living. This follows the "Act III" mobilization that took place on October 31 in several cities across the country.Corsican unions unite for action
In Corsica, five major trade union organizations have signed a joint call to mobilization. These include the CFDT, FO, CGT, UNSA, and FSU. They argue that workers are experiencing an unprecedented decline in status and living conditions.Rising costs and stagnant wages
The unions highlight that the cost of living has increased sharply, with fuel, food, rent, gas, and electricity prices rising while wages and pensions remain stagnant. They warn that the country is on the brink of recession with increasing layoffs across various sectors.Support for student movement
The trade unions have also aligned themselves with the student movement, expressing solidarity with their demands for better educational conditions and greater equality. They emphasize the importance of allowing students to mobilize and demonstrate peacefully.Unified demands for change
The unions are carrying several key demands, including wage increases, pension raises, better public services, and higher minimum wages. They also call for wage equality between men and women and increased social support for vulnerable groups.Local demands for Corsica
Charles Casabianca, general secretary of the UD CGT Haute-Corse, emphasizes the need for local considerations in the movement. He argues that Corsica, being the most expensive region in France, should benefit from similar advantages as Île-de-France, where wages are slightly higher.STC opts out of the mobilization
The Syndicat des Travailleurs de Corse (STC) has decided not to participate in the mobilization. It states that while the economic challenges are real, it cannot align with the movement due to concerns about the clarity of the approach and the potential dilution of Corsican-specific issues.STC's commitment to Corsican struggles
The STC reaffirms its commitment to the rights of Corsican workers, social justice, and the mastery of the island's future. It remains opposed to ultraliberalism and continues its fight for concrete advances in Corsicanization of jobs, wages, and public services.
