On Monday, September 16, the Departmental Union of the CGT of Haute-Corse made its social return during a press conference where it presented the many union demands in the face of a socio-economic context deemed alarming. Inequality, precariousness, cost of living and deterioration of public services are at the heart of the concerns of the organization which intends to mobilize the Corsicans from October 1.
From the outset, Charles Casabianca, secretary of the UD CGT Haute-Corse, sets the scene: “ Corsica cannot be a region where the poor become even poorer and the rich prosper!” In a speech marked by anger and determination, he pointed out an economic and social situation where 75,000 Corsicans live below the poverty line, or 18.3% of the population. “Low incomes coupled with the high cost of living in Corsica are plunging a large part of the population into precariousness.”
Degradation of public services
The CGT also denounces the continuing deterioration of public services, particularly at La Poste, the island’s largest employer. “Deplorable working conditions, insufficient wages, office closures… The situation is critical.” For Charles Casabianca, it is essential to revalue these jobs and ensure quality public service missions. “Energy and water must once again become public services, accessible to all, without disparities between regions.” The union also fears increased energy insecurity due to a lack of local investment in electricity production.
Transport is another sector where the CGT is expecting urgent responses. “A real transport policy is necessary, with an intermodality plan between rail and road public transport to break the isolation of rural populations.”
Salaries, pensions and taxation
In terms of salaries, the union is demanding indexation to inflation and a minimum wage set at 2,000 euros gross. “Our retirees are getting poorer year after year. It is unacceptable that a retirement pension is less than the minimum wage,” castigates the union leader. The CGT also positions itself on the tax issue, demanding that measures specific to Corsica, such as the Corsican Tax Credit, really benefit the population, and not businesses.
Housing is another issue on the island. With 28,000 people living in poor housing and 5,000 unsatisfied requests for social housing, mainly around Bastia, the CGT is calling for a real investment policy in this sector. “The average rent in Corsica is €6.10 per m², making our island one of the most expensive regions in France, after Paris.” At the same time, the union denounces the creation of monopolies by a few local bosses who contribute to the surge in prices. “We demand that prices be frozen and that the recommendations of the competition services be applied.”
Precarious employment and the Caravan of the precarious
The observation of job insecurity is alarming: temporary work has quadrupled in ten years and more than 37% of fixed-term contract hires last less than a month. To raise awareness among the population, the UD CGT and the SPIAC (Union of Professionals in the Audiovisual and Cinema Industries) will launch the “Caravan of the Precarious” in October. Yves Marini, spokesperson for the SPIAC, explains: “We will meet with intermittent, seasonal and unemployed workers in all micro-regions to inform them of their rights.”
Call for mobilization
To protest against these multiple problems, the CGT is calling for a general strike on October 1. “It is time to mobilize to defend our rights and reject this austerity policy!”insists Charles Casabianca. Supported by the FSU and Solidaire, this day of mobilization could also see the participation of FO, whose response is expected in the coming days.
