French unions plan Nov 5 strikes, seek government answers

French unions will hold a new day of strikes and protests on November 5, seeking to advance demands overshadowed by October 17 chaos, ahead of a government meeting Wednesday. Unions await concrete responses from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who invited them to Matignon, though Solidaires was not included. FO demands general wage increases, a minimum wage boost, and an index point thaw for civil servants, while CFDT calls for a 100-euro minimum wage hike and salary negotiations across sectors. The government plans budget discussions, with Macron having promised to receive intermediary bodies after weekend violence. All major unions except CFE-CGC back the November 5 action, with student groups joining. Unions emphasize their ability to secure marches, while officials stress the need for peaceful outlets to social anger.