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French employees are preparing to face a difficult year 2025. Between budget reforms and unpopular measures, the situation promises to be complex for millions of workers. Some announcements offer hope of salary increases.
However, the new measures could well turn this prospect into a disappointment for many. What may await employees in the months to come…
A direct impact for employees
The government recently proposed a measure aimed at increase employer contributions. The objective? Generate more revenue for the State from 2025. However, this increase in the “cost of labor” risks causing undesirable effects for employees. Indeed, businesses will come under increased pressure. If the measure applies, these employers could penalize wages to compensate for this additional burden.
This measure will mainly affect salaries between 1,426.30 euros (the minimum wage) and 1,854.19 euros net monthly. Around 6 million employees will therefore be directly affected by this contribution increase. Both in the private sector and in the public service!
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Result ? Bosses might hesitate to increase salaries. The prospects for improving purchasing power for millions of households will, at the same time, slow down.
Towards a wage freeze in 2025?
Employer representatives, notably the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME), are sounding the alarm. According to Eric Chevée, vice-president in charge of social affairs of the CPME, “many business leaders would have no choice but to block salary increases ». A possibility to be feared if this reform came into force.
This measure could thus lead to a salary freeze for many workers. Which would be a real shame at a time when prices continue to increase in all sectors.
The risk is therefore twofold for employees. On the one hand, their pay slips will not see a significant increase. Then, on the other hand, they will also have to bear an increase in living costs without financial compensation. A situation that is coming difficult for the poorest households.
A measure to the detriment of employees
The government plans to use article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass this measure. However, in this projection, the National Assembly voted against the increase in employer contributions. Why this recourse? The article actually allows the reform to be adopted without a vote. A way for the executive to avoid prolonged discussions in Parliament.
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This forceful passage, if confirmed, risks provoking strong opposition. Many unions and employee defense organizations have already stepped up to the plate. All denounce a “hard blow” for household finances. They believe that this decision would further worsen the financial precariousness of many workers in France.
What employees should anticipate for 2025
As 2025 approaches, it is essential for employees to prepare for the possible impacts of this reform. In the absence of salary increasespurchasing power risks being seriously compromised. The unions continue to mobilize to try to influence the government, of course, but the path seems clear.
If the reform applies, employees will therefore have to adapt their budget to make facing increasing costs. Savings, expense management, and anticipation of price increases, etc. Everyone must be extra vigilant to preserve their finances in this tense context.
