France: Wages could be increased in some sectors, but not economywide
We do not believe now is the time for a general, economywide increase in wages in France, for a number of reasons: There has been no skewing of income distribution against wage earners in France; A general increase in wages would drive up prices and ultimately would not benefit wage earners; It would affect the competitiveness of industry, also affecting its employees, against the backdrop of low skills in France. However, one may seriously consider increasing wages at the bottom in economic sectors that pay low wages and face hiring difficulties: construction, retail, personal services, restaurants, etc. Such a targeted increase in low wages would have none of the drawbacks of a general increase in wages and could be organised (through sector-wide agreements) so as to not have a negative effect on low-skilled employment.