UNI stands with striking finance workers at Société Générale and BNP Paribas Fortis

After months of stalled negotiations, Société Générale’s refusal to fairly distribute its profits was the final straw. With 14,600 signatures backing their demands, UNI affiliates FBA CFDT and FSPBA CGT held a strike on 25 March 2025.

Their key issues: fair pay, improved working conditions, job security and an end to overwhelming commercial pressure. The message is clear: Société Générale cannot ignore its workers. But despite the workers’ dedication – navigating restructurings, increasing workloads, and job insecurity – management continues to show them little respect.

At BNP Paribas Fortis, management is pushing ahead with plans to transfer around 600 employees from the Client Service Centre to Accenture, an external consultancy. This move prioritises cost-cutting over workers’ rights and contradicts BNP Paribas’ commitments to social dialogue and job security.

UNI affiliates ACLVB/CGSLB, BBTK/SETCA and ACV-Puls/CNE have tirelessly voiced their opposition, demanding transparency and alternative solutions – but management refuses to listen. On 3 April 2025, workers went on strike to ramp up pressure and protect their colleagues’ futures. Their message is clear: “We are not for sale!”

UNI and its affiliated unions stand firmly behind the striking workers. The finance industry thrives because of its workforce, not despite it. Société Générale and BNP Paribas Fortis must return to the negotiating table and respect their employees.