In a context of exceptional mobilization against the pension reform, is held from March 27 to 31, in Clermont-Ferrand (Auvergne), the 53rd congress of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT). He will appoint the successor to his secretary general, Philippe Martinez. For the first time since the union was founded in 1895, a woman could take over the leadership. The members will choose between Marie Buisson, candidate supported by the outgoing, and her competitor, Céline Verzeletti.
Marie Buisson is the current national secretary of the small federation of Education, Research and Culture of the CGT. Despite the support of Philippe Martinez, she has still not managed to win. The 55-year-old teacher, daughter of executives, is a determined activist but little known to the general public.
This candidate, who wants better management of environmental issues and gender equality, is not unanimous within the CGT. These opponents reproach him for his discretion and especially for not having carried out emblematic struggles.
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He is also accused of having represented the CGT within of the collective “Never again” which brings together trade unions, NGOs such as Greenpeace and associations on environmental issues. Several large industrial federations do not find themselves in the orientations of this collective, in particular on the exit from nuclear power, likely to threaten thousands of jobs.
female duel
Marie Buisson will face a woman who has a culture of protest. This is Celine Verzeletti. Both of his parents were communist militants and members of the CGT. Another advantage, and not the least: this regular TV set has the support of the biggest federations of the central, including railway workers, energy and health.
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This former prison guard, aged 54, currently heads the civil service federation. She said she wanted to change the ways of working within the CGT, so that the secretary general does not have so many powers. For many members, Céline Verzeletti would allow a better gathering within the CGT.
Towards a new mode of governance within the CGT
No matter which one wins, the challenges awaiting the new boss of the CGT are numerous. The central, in loss of speed in the professional elections, gave up to the CFDT (French Democratic Confederation of Labor) its place as the first trade union in France. And it is not a surprise that the CFDT is today at the head of the social movement against the pension reform in France.
During this congress, which will last almost a week, the CGT federations also want to ask the question of the functioning of the management of the central, and in particular of its democratic dimension or not. The very solitary mode of governance of Philippe Martinez has often been criticized within the CGT. And for some, it’s time to play it collectively.