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European Marches against Unemployment - News and Archives
Absender : aguiton@sud.unions.eu.org (Christophe) Org.-Empf. : marches97-info.eng@ras.eu.org Weiterleiter marches97-info.eng-request@ras.eu.org Betreff : French Unemployment Movement Datum : Di 06.01.98, 15:52 (erhalten: 06.01.98) Groesse : 4929 Bytes ----------------------------------------------------------------------
marches97-info.eng ------------------
Background information to the demands of the unemployed.
The unemployed demand a 3000 FF bonus immediately for all the unemployed who apply for it. A total reform of the benefit system, unemployment and all other low paid benefits . An increase of 1500 FF a month, immediately for all, while waiting for this reform totake place, and an extension of RMI for all under 25 year old. This should serve as a basis to develop and enlarge these demands, which also extends to job creation in particular, and the demand for a reduction in the working week that create real jobs without flexibility.. .
The current situation in France.
Occupations continued up until the New Year. Others ended with a successful outcome of negociations, i.e. St Brieuc and Champigny obtained 320 000FF, others ended in police evictions. Places where occupations have become symbolic of the conflict are Marseille, Arras and now Paris. The press list 13 occupation to date, 4/1/98 and 20 the 6/1/98
Government response.
Two government ministers issued statements this weekend: Jean Claude Gayssot (Communist transport minister), received a delegation of unemployed associations and the CGT unemployed to announce new traval concessions for the jobless, in the Ile de France, excluding Paris. As a member of the AC ! delegation put it : "a first step in the long path towards free urbain transport." which sumed up the general reaction. Reactions to Martine Aubry's press conference were hardly enthusiastic. Her conference was brought forward to the 3 instead 6 January. No effective solutions to the current situation. News of 500 million for AFR (training schemes benefits) are 3 months old. However, the Inenace of police intervention in "illegal actions" was seen by the CGT unemployed in Marseille, as a direct provocation. This was also the opinion of other associations and trade unions.
Closer ties and joint action.
The series of actions over the last few weeks means convergence and closer contacts (between CGT Unemployed occupations and the week of Urgent Social Actions) ... Although not the case everywhere, joint action by Arras AC ! and CGT are typical of most occupations . While in Marseille and the south, the CGT prefered to remain solo. Following the UNEDIC rally December 24, organised by a joint committee, the unemployed groups were invited to address the demonstration outside the CNPF, French bosses HQ, December 31. The CGT were invited by AC! to participate in the Centre d'Aide Sociale occupation on December 31. A joint meeting, (CGT, AC! APEIS, MNCP) took place on January 2 especially to consolidate closer ties.
Programme for the next few days.
Occupations Occupations must hold firm and expand. They play a key role in the current movement just as the demonstrations of November- December l995, or the road blockades by truck drivers. Taking the pulse of the Inovement by simply counting the number of ASSEDICS (Job centre) occupied, only 4%, Madame Aubry dismisses the jobless demands There is a threat of police evictions. in Madame Aubry's statement. Discussions held by AC! national body, January 2, agreed that any evictions would mean further occupations. This strategy follows the pattern of the Sans Papers (Immigrants fighting for residency papers). Combined effort by associations and trade unions will be crucial. If evections take place, a human chain will be made to prevent it; key personalites in political and other fields will be present to support the occupation and protest against police eviction .
Development of the movement Indispensable like occupations. This means demonstrations and rallies. January 7, 1998, appeal for demonstrations in as many towns as possible. Paris, rendez-vous in front of UNEDIC. The next step is not decided. If the movement takes roots and there is solidarity from wage earners, the next phase will be a big demonstration either national or in major cities around Januaryl7 or 24. Otherwise a demonstration on January 14, organised to coincide with the bill on the status of unemployed 55 year olds having contributed to state pensions for 40 years and no longer entitled to UNEDlC benefits.
Contact:
"Marches europeennes contre le chomage, la precarite et les
exclusions"
104, rue des Couronnes
F-75020 Paris France
Tel : +33 1 44 62 63 44
Fax : +33 1 44 62 63 45
E-mail : marches97@ras.eu.org
URL: http://www.mygale.org/02/ras/marches/
Contact: "AC!", France, Voice/Fax: +33-1-43495037, e-mail:
aguiton@sud.unions.eu.org.
Last Modified: February 4, 1998