Pensions: CFDT to go to Matignon to discuss with François Bayrou after the failure of the debate
The CFDT (French Trade Union Confederation of Labour) announced its participation in a crucial meeting organized by Prime Minister François Bayrou at Matignon, following the failure of recent negotiations on pension reform. In a tense atmosphere, the discussions, which lasted four months, failed to produce a satisfactory agreement, particularly on sensitive issues such as arduous work and the retirement age.
The stakes of the meeting at Matignon between the CFDT and François Bayrou
This meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, is considered a last-ditch attempt to restart dialogue on pensions. After the failure of the conclave between social partners, Marylise Léon, the General Secretary of the CFDT, expressed her frustration but remained open to dialogue, asserting that an agreement was still possible.

The social partners highlighted several main points of contention:
Strenuousness of the Jobs
- : The CFDT insists on the need to recognize the arduous nature of certain professions, a topic that was largely sidestepped during negotiations. Retirement Age
- : The issue of the legal retirement age, set at 64, remains a point of contention, with many refusing to accept it without significant concessions. Conditions for Mothers
- : Discussions around improving the calculation of pensions for mothers were cited as essential but not followed up. These crucial points have fueled an atmosphere of distrust and dissatisfaction among unions, amplifying the urgency of a new round of negotiations. The CFDT, which has shown itself ready to compromise, above all expects clear answers from the government.
The context of the failure of the pension negotiations
The conclave, which began in an atmosphere of collaboration, quickly became bogged down in deep disagreements. Several actors, including François Bayrou, sought to establish a constructive social dialogue. However, political interference, perceived as an obstacle, complicated the talks, leading to a bitter acknowledgment of failure.
The expectations of the government and social partners
François Bayrou reiterated his commitment to advancing the dialogue to resolve the situation. He said it was imperative to overcome current divides to avoid imminent political censorship. Between tensions and hopes, eyes are therefore turned towards Matignon, where prospects for possible developments are emerging.
Subject of dispute
| CFDT proposal | Government response | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition of difficult professions | Open to discussions | Starting age |
| Maintaining age at 62 | A consensus to be found | Careers of mothers |
| Improvement of pension calculation | Current studies | The repercussions of the failure of the negotiations on the political landscape |
This failure quickly had repercussions within the National Assembly. Elected officials, particularly Socialist MPs, are considering filing motions of censure if a bill is not tabled quickly. This climate of uncertainty weighs heavily on the political debate, with each side seeking to take advantage of the situation.
Discover the latest developments on pensions: the CFDT will attend Matignon for a crucial meeting with François Bayrou following the failure of the debate. An eagerly awaited discussion that could influence the future of reforms.

The quality of social dialogue in France is being put to the test. Unions are calling on the government to play fair and state clear positions to avoid further stalemate. Marylise Léon reiterated the need to establish constructive dialogue, emphasizing that the CFDT has no intention of abandoning its demands. The unions are therefore calling for a reform that is truly rooted in the realities on the ground, so that societal issues are truly taken into account by the government.
In this context, the government will have to skillfully navigate the unions’ demands and economic imperatives, while seeking to ease emerging political tensions. This face-off at Matignon promises to be decisive for the future of pensions in France.


































