(en) France, Alternative Libertaire AL - Unemployment, poverty: Battle for fall (fr)

The Un?dic agreement will be renegotiated this fall, probably in the sense of a return to 
the progressive reduction of benefits. Only the street can prevent this decline our 
rights. ---- Listen carefully, because your interests are threatened. This fall, as every 
three years, the Un?dic Convention, which sets the conditions for unemployment benefits, 
will be renegotiated. Since 1992, almost every negotiation resulted in a regression. The 
tactic is proven: 1) when Un?dic accounts are in the red, they are "cleans" by cutting 
benefits, 2) three years later, they are in the green : what a bargain, we lower employer 
contributions 3) accounts right back: fast, kidneys benefits... ---- burning negotiation 
---- For unemployed workers are less likely to compensate, just move the cursor 
requirements : it will have contributed more months to be compensated less time...
 
Each cursor, unemployment insurance tens of thousands of people are denied.
 
In 2013, it will surprise no one, the accounts are in the red. With 112,700 unemployed 
compensated in 2012 and 89,600 in 2013, the debt Un?dic will reach ? 18.6 billion.
 
So negotiating the autumn turns hot. Pierre Gattaz, the new head of MEDEF, said he would 
oppose any increase in employer contributions, and he wanted the restoration of " 
degressive allowance" [1]. The formula is released. This is the key to the battle ahead.
 
What is the "degression"? It is a place between 1992 and 2001 system that benefits the 
unemployed d?croissaient regularly, until they reach the minimum social benefits. It was 
said cynically CFDT at the time, to encourage them to find work...
 
Degression was canceled by Un?dic 2001 Convention, in exchange flicage of unemployed 
workers, now threatened with removal if they refuse jobs offered to them [2]. The 
challenge in 2013 is to restore degression maintaining the policing.
 
On the street
As usual, the yellow unions, CFDT head sign with both hands everything will MEDEF under 
their nose. As usual, the CGT refuse to sign. The problem is that non- signature is not 
sufficient to block the deal. We must therefore rely on the street. Otherwise, the next 
convention Un?dic will be a very hard blow to the fragile, so all workers and workers.
 
For now, the opinion remains passive. The marches against unemployment held between June 
15 and July 6 ( read here ) did not echo hoped. But the fall can be a new step, 
articulated mobilization is preparing against the pension reform. Must initiate a campaign 
with a broad forehead, from which it must exclude any opposing the Government PS- EELV 
union and political forces, but the organizations of the unemployed, precarious must be 
the pivot.
 
Such a campaign could have steps: 1) a week of information to alert the public about what 
is coming, 2) a national demonstration in front of the negotiation, to measure forces, and 
3) a week of action at the time negotiations with occupancy Pole Employment agencies.
 
Roll up our sleeves !
 
William Davranche (AL Montreuil )
 
[1] Interview with Pierre Gattaz the World June 14, 2013.
 
[2] Since October 2008, we incurred if the radiation is denied two " reasonable job offers."