The French government announced on Monday a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage, effective December 1, following weeks of public protests and student demonstrations calling for improvements in purchasing power.
The net minimum wage will rise from €1,477.93 to approximately €1,502.
This represents a monthly increase of €23.65.
It is the second-largest increase in 20 years and is more than just a symbolic gesture.
Speaking at a press conference, Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou said: "The government has decided to bring forward the automatic increase, originally scheduled for January 1, to December 1, while raising the rate to 1.6%."
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu added that the increase was "the second-largest in 20 years and should not be underestimated". He stressed that it was "not merely symbolic" and that it had been carefully considered to avoid job losses.
The increase is expected to give fresh impetus to negotiations in sectors where minimum wage levels remain below the statutory minimum wage.
The government has asked representatives of the sectors concerned to begin negotiations next week to raise their minimum wage levels in line with the new statutory minimum.
The announcement came following a meeting between the prime minister, trade unions and employers to discuss wages and purchasing power, after widespread protests across France.
