Robert Bothereau

[1] Born in Baule, Bothereau worked on the family's vineyard while his father fought in World War I, then completed an apprenticeship as a car mechanic.

As he was employed by the government, he joined the local union of state workers, soon becoming its deputy secretary, and also serving on the committee of the Orleans trades council.

in 1933, he was appointed to the CGT executive, where he worked closely with Jouhaux, his responsibilities including labour issues, relationships with the departmental unions, and publication of La Voix du Peuple.

[2] Bothereau was called up at the start of World War II, but remained supportive of the CGT line, denouncing the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, and trying to maintain activity in spite of increasing government restrictions.

The federation remained fairly small under his leadership, priding itself on its independence from political parties, and its affiliation to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.