Auxerre May Day Rally Focuses on Peace, Worker Rights and EU Elections

This year's May 1st is marked by a particular context. While in 2023, Labor Day was marked by the pension reform, this year, it is the international context that has been at the heart of the discussions in the Auxerre procession, with the European elections in sight. "We reaffirm our commitment to peace, for all workers and all peoples," said Véronique Degoix-Guttin, CGT Yonne departmental secretary.

This year's May 1st labor day has taken on a unique significance. While the 2023 event focused on the contentious pension reform, the international context has taken center stage in this year's Auxerre march. The upcoming European elections have also cast a long shadow over the proceedings.

"We reaffirm our commitment to peace, for all workers and all peoples," asserted Véronique Degoix-Guttin, departmental secretary of the CGT Yonne. This sentiment was echoed by other union representatives and protesters present. "There is an urgent need for these conflicts to cease, as they have significant repercussions for us as well," explained Philippe.

"An Austerity Period that Raises Concerns for Workers"

Beyond the international context, the working conditions of employees were also a key focus of the march, which gathered around 450 people in Auxerre. "We have entered an austerity period that raises concerns for workers, when there is a pressing need to increase salaries and invest heavily in public services," explained Reynald Millot, departmental secretary of FO. "Education is facing severe challenges, even though it should be a top priority," added Philippe Wante, departmental secretary of FSU.

Still reeling from the adoption of the pension reform, some demonstrators expressed their strong opposition to government policies. "It is no longer acceptable for people to be unable to live decently; we are simply asking for a decent income," said Martine, a retiree. "It feels like there are the big bosses on one side and the population on the other," added Karine, who does not see the European elections as an opportunity to make her voice heard. "The outcome is almost a foregone conclusion. All of this has benefited the far right, which is unfortunate."

For the representatives of the CFDT and the CGT, this observation should not be seen as inevitable. "We support Europe and the values it represents: a social and democratic Europe. That is why we are committed to fighting the far right, which is anti-European, anti-union, and anti-social," stated Kemal Batirbek, departmental secretary of the CFDT.

150 People Gather in Sens

In Sens, there was no march through the city center or gathering in front of the sub-prefecture on Wednesday, May 1st, for Labor Day. The reason for this was the annual fair and carnival, which occupied the Promenades until Thursday, May 2nd, and mobilized local security forces. The event was therefore held on the square in front of the train station, Place François-Mitterand, in the mid-morning, for a gathering without a march. The festive and protest-filled event brought together around 150 people, including members and supporters of unions (CGT, SUD, FSU, CFE CGC, etc.), left-wing political parties (LFI, PCF, PS, etc.), and associations. May bells were sold, and leaflets were distributed.

During the speeches, local union representatives emphasized the need to increase salaries in the current inflationary context, improve working conditions, and protect the rights of job seekers. "We demand a minimum wage of 2,000 euros," said a CGT representative. "We must also protect workers, whose conditions are deteriorating; more and more are experiencing harassment. We will also mobilize soon to defend unemployment insurance, which is threatened by yet another reform."

Other union representatives spoke about the decline of public services and the working conditions of employees in the context of the Paris Olympic Games. Protesters also discussed the upcoming European elections and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.