“The game for pensions is ending, whether we like it or not”, concedes Laurent Berger

After five months of mobilization against the pension reform, Laurent Berger confirmed to participate Tuesday, June 6 in its ” last “ demonstration as general secretary of the CFDT. “The game for pensions is over, whether we like it or not”he also conceded, from the head of the Parisian procession, still welcoming the “still significant mobilization” of this 14th day convened since January by the union.

“This is the last demonstration against the pension reform, on this format, we are not going to tell a storyinsisted the union leader. […] But there is always anger and resentment. We will have to cultivate this mobilization to continue working on wages, purchasing power, working conditions and social dialogue. » Laurent Berger also confirmed that he wanted to take the field, after the handover at the head of the CFDT to Marylise Léon, on June 21 “I’m going to shut up first, rest. And I will say when the time comes what I will do. »

In the meantime, he hopes that the National embly will be able to vote, on June 8, the law proposal of the Freedom group, independents, overseas territories and territories (LIOT) on the return to 62 of the legal retirement age. “But if not, the possibilities of rolling back the government will be behind us.warns Laurent Berger. We’re not going to tell stories. I would love to see two million people take to the streets again next week. But this is not true. »

“Probable that there are other demonstrations”

At his side in Paris, the number one of the CGT, Sophie Binet, repeated that she wanted to “real negotiations”also referring to wages, but also the “Macron orders” on the Labor Code and “gender equality”. Even if “retirements will always remain a struggle”the goal is now to “gaining concrete progress”she said, claiming that “The inter-union will remain united” and judging “probable that there will be other demonstrations in view of the anger in the country”.

The union official is already calling for a new method on the side of the executive, accused of “sweep with the back of the hand” all proposals from employee representatives. “It is the government that refuses to negotiate seriously with the trade unionsshe lamented. The only thing he agrees to do is to discuss on the basis of his agenda. But his regressive government and employer agenda, we do not want it. »

The leaders of the inter-union have planned “a video chat” on June 13, reported Benoît Teste (FSU) for “make a full essment” of their day of mobilization and the vote, Thursday, in the National embly, on the proposal to repeal the pension reform.

In parallel, the hypothesis of a meeting at the Elysee Palace divides the union leaders. Cyril Chabanier (CFTC) “I think we have to go because it’s a good time to negotiate on other subjects” than pensions. But Frédéric Souillot (FO) makes it known that his organization “will not go” at this “social conference that would be in the pipes”. Same reluctance from François Hommeril (CFE-CGC) who did not “do not want to go to a communication operation of the President of the Republic”.

The World with AFP