CASE. Faced with a drop in the number of activists, unions are trying to recruit in the Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude

A beer bottle opener that sings the International, a rhinestone cap, a condom hiding key ring, a pen, a pin… If French professional unions certainly do not only rely on gadgets bearing their image to strengthen their notoriety and presence , everyone now has their own busy store. A communication tool that has become essential for mobilizations, like social networks, in a changing society. Unlike the 1960s when the social partners experienced the “Trente Glorieuses” reaching more than 20% of unionized employees in France, a decline followed preceding, since the pension reform, a shudder of “remontada”. In France, the rate of all inserts is now around 10%, in the public and private sectors.

No major victory since the withdrawal of the CPE in 2006

In the Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude where the improvement “is notable”on both the employer and employee side, “unionism has changed, union members too”agree the general secretaries of the struggle and negotiation organizations. First in line in Catalonia and Aude, FO brings together around 8,000 members in the two departments. In number two the CGT, then in third position the CFDT. Strangely calm, in appearance, since the new Barnier government, they nevertheless remain inactive. Beyond their traditional missions, the social partners are working to strengthen their troops. Recruitment in companies, in the field, via the internet or even ahead of the next professional elections in VSEs. These very small businesses “which represent 80% to 90% of the boxes of 11 and 66”.