French Labour Minister Rules Out Excessive Minimum Wage Hike to Protect Jobs

French Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou has ruled out proposing an excessive minimum wage increase, saying it would harm employment, ahead of a social conference convened by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday with employers and unions. Farandou stated that raising the net monthly minimum wage to 1,700 euros would destroy over 230,000 jobs, citing fragile businesses. The current net minimum wage is 1,477.93 euros, with the minister suggesting it could exceed 1,500 euros. Unions demand increases of 100 euros (CFDT) or 10 percent (CGT). The minister noted a wage hike could take effect December 1 if talks conclude quickly, but stressed it would not cancel the activity bonus, which brings a single person's disposable income to 1,700 euros. The government will also propose measures to encourage mandatory annual negotiations in companies and sectors.