For the first time since the start of the price surge, in 2021, the rise in wages has (a little) exceeded inflation. This is shown by the second quarter figures from the Directorate of Research Animation, Studies and Statistics (Dares) of the Ministry of Labor, published on September 22.
The indexation of the minimum wage to inflation has led to an increase in the lowest salaries. In the second quarter, the basic monthly salary of workers increased by 5.3% year-on-year; and that of employees, 4.9%. Compared to inflation (4.4% over the period), they have thus caught up with the evolution of prices. As a result, the real wages of workers and employees rose at the end of June, by less than 1%.
On the other hand, with an increase of only 4.3% for intermediate professions, and 3.8% for executives, the real salaries of these last two socio-professional categories remain below the waterline. Intermediate professions, more and more numerous and feminized according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), are very diverse: nurses, social workers, school teachers, salespeople, accountants, foremen, etc.
What will be next? According to human resources specialists, salary increases could around 4.8% this yearfor inflation lying at around 4% at the end of December, according to INSEE forecasts.