Paris:France's General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has announced a new nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations set for November 17. The union criticized the government's recent measures to increase wages, describing them as insufficient.

According to Anadolu Agency, CGT Secretary-General Sophie Binet made the announcement following a social conference at Matignon, the office of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The conference was convened to discuss wages and purchasing power. Binet emphasized the need to generalize wage increases through widespread mobilization and strikes.

Binet criticized the government's decision to raise the minimum wage by 1.6% from December 1, calling the increase inadequate. She argued that the government's announcement of a minor increase in the minimum wage would not alleviate public discontent and demanded a £150 monthly increase.

Prime Minister Lecornu, along with Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, announced the 1.6% wage increase, which will bring the net monthly minimum wage to £1,502 ($1,740). Lecornu described this increase as the second-largest in France in 20 years, asserting that a more substantial increase could result in significant job losses.

The announcement comes amid ongoing protests across France, initiated by trade unions and youth representatives. The protests, which began in mid-September over conditions in high schools, have expanded to address broader concerns about the cost of living, wages, and public services, alongside a resurgence of the 'yellow vest' movement.