PARIS — In an effort to address mounting public protests over the cost of living and a recent cross-sector strike, the French government is considering bringing forward the next minimum wage increase from January 1, 2027, to December 1, 2026. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a social conference at Matignon to discuss the adjustment with labor and employer representatives.
The proposal follows two previous hikes earlier in 2026 that raised the gross hourly minimum wage to €12.02 on January 1 and €12.31 on June 1. Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou has indicated support for an early December adjustment, noting that November payrolls were already finalized. If approved, the move would replace the standard January increase rather than act as an additional raise.
While the government aims to push the net monthly minimum wage above the symbolic €1,500 threshold—translating to an increase of at least €23 net for full-time workers—unions have criticized the measure as insufficient. Major labor groups including the CFDT and CGT are demanding significantly larger monthly increases ranging from €100 to €150. Conversely, employers have raised concerns regarding potential labor cost shocks, and government officials have warned that excessively steep raises could impact employment levels.
Official confirmation regarding the exact date and financial amount of the adjustment is expected following the conclusion of the social conference and subsequent publication in the Official Journal.
