Their movement started last week, in response to a slogan from the Autonomous Federation. Some municipal workers are walking off the job, once a week, until the end of November to protest against what the government is promising in terms of reduced rights for civil servants. With the feeling of being the only professionals systematically ridiculed.
Agents on strike this Wednesday morning in front of the town hall of Molières-sur-Cèze • François Desmeures
For the moment, their picket is stationed in front of the town hall once a week. Last Wednesday, this Wednesday, then next Thursday, one day of strike per week, until November 30. The majority belong to category C of territorial civil servants, a few to category B, and the general director of services is also one of the strikers. “When the debt explodes, they have nothing to say to us other than “you are expensive”explains Laurence Arnaud, category B civil servant “disgusted”.
“We want to align our waiting days with the functioning of the private sector. I have nothing against being on the same regime, but why always level down? And if we align everything, that the mutual insurance is paid for us, like in the private sector, whereas as a civil servant you are only entitled to a contribution of €10…” It now seems far away the time when leaders praised the sacrifice of territorial agents, in the midst of the Covid crisis.
“During the first confinement, the town hall was closed. We managed it alone.”
Laurence Arnaud, employee of the Molières town hall
But the agents have not forgotten. “During the first confinement, the town hall was closed. We no longer had an elected official available in the face of contradictory injunctions from the State. We managed alone.” But beyond this painful episode, “the fed up is general, continues Laurence Arnaud. They want to pay us 90% for sick leave, even though we already have no bonus when we are on sick leave. Except that a third of our income comes from bonuses. I have nothing against getting checked when I'm on sick leave, but we can't continue like this, doubting the work of those who make the country work!”
This fed up is shared, whatever the category or profession. Alongside the director of services, the head of schools is also on strike, as is that of technical services. “We did have an index revaluation of 1.5 points. But, in fifteen years, we have eliminated 9% of our purchasing power with the freezing of the index.” And, this year, as there was no government at the right time, the GIPA bonus (individual guarantee of purchasing power) was not paid, i.e. around €700 per agent, particularly those whose income has slipped below the minimum wage. “And it is not provided for in the 2025 finance law”anticipates Laurence Arnaud.
“We even calculate our strike days so as not to annoy the residents too much, continues the municipal official. For example, tomorrow there are 800 water bills to pay off… We know very well, working in town hall, that we won't make a fortune. But we ask at least not to be despised.” Last week, the Alesian CGT came to the strike picket to find out about the situation and express their support. However, according to Molières-sur-Cèze agents, no other town hall has a service on strike in the department.
