France
Background information on industrial relations in France
- 21 Dec 2007
France: Clamp-down on seasonal workers and undeclared workDuring the summer of 2007, trade unions mobilised in support of seasonal workers, almost 30% of whom are victims of employer non-compliance with the labour code, according to the unions. A survey has revealed abuses of the social security system amounting to several billion euros. Some 60% of all seasonal workers are found in the economic sectors of agriculture and hotels and restaurants, and many of the workers are students or migrants.
- 21 Dec 2007
France: Strong support for small-scale strike at Citroën PeugeotIn the spring of 2007, a six-week strike involving a minority of workers took place at the PSA Peugeot Citroën factory in Aulnay-sous-Bois in the suburbs of Paris. The workers on strike subsequently voted to return to work. Despite the few concessions made by the management, the strikers were gratified by the great support they received during the strike. Many French workers identified with the pay issues raised by the strikers.
- 21 Dec 2007
France: Uncertain future for La Samaritaine department storeLa Samaritaine – a Parisian department store with iconic status – closed down on 30 April 2005. Since then, a plan to safeguard employment has made it possible to envisage redeployment for the workers concerned, with early retirement being the main measure used. Nevertheless, the future of the store remains uncertain, and ambitious plans for a shopping mall are still no further than at planning stage.
- 20 Dec 2007
France: Impact of the working time directive on collective bargaining in the road transport sectorIn France, Road transport is a sector of SME companies: 94 % of the companies have less than 50 employees. This sector is subject to derogation from general rules on working time (the derogation mainly concerns ‘mobile’ staff) and depends on an ‘equivalent system’, which is set out in a decree and authorises derogation from the rules governing legal working time of 35 hours per week (especially regarding overtime).. Since the transposition of the European directive (Decrees of 31 March 2005 and of 8 January 2007), no agreement has been signed between the social partners. The transposition of the European Directive is clearly seen as another very complex challenge to the 35 hour week.
- 18 Dec 2007
France: Force ouvrière criticises European integration process at annual congressAt the end of June 2007, the French General Confederation of Labour – Force ouvrière held its 21st confederal congress in the northern city of Lille. The majority of the 2,500 delegates approved the report on past activities covering the period 2004–2006. Newly re-elected General Secretary Jean-Claude Mailly used the opportunity to criticise the process of European integration on account of the over-emphasis on the economy and free competition to the detriment of labour issues.
- 03 Dec 2007
France: Minimal increase in national minimum wageOn 1 July 2007, the government increased the national minimum wage (SMIC) by 2.06% to €8.44 an hour. The increase did not exceed the minimum level required by law and in real terms means that those on the minimum wage will only receive an increase of 0.8%. In addition, the Prime Minister, François Fillon, referred to a possible reform of the SMIC – a proposal which was welcomed by the employers, but to which the trade unions reacted negatively.
- 16 Nov 2007
France: Industrial relations in the postal sector — FranceThis is the French contribution to the comparative analytical overview on Industrial relations in the postal sector.
- 01 Oct 2007
France: Representativeness of the social partners: Agricultural sector – FranceThe aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the agriculture sector in France. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as their role in collective bargaining.
- 10 Sep 2007
France: Unions fear self-checkouts pose threat to jobs in retail sectorThe increasing use of self-service checkouts in French supermarkets is a source of concern among workers in the retail sector. Trade union mobilisation against the various forms of ‘self-checkouts’ in supermarkets began in the spring of 2007 and will most likely continue, as it is estimated that half of all checkout jobs could disappear by 2012. Many of the larger retail stores already have self-service tills installed and plan to expand such options in other stores due to customer demand.
- 13 Aug 2007
France: Non-teaching school staff transfer to local authorities in decentralisation moveEven before the 1 January 2008 deadline, when technical staff employed by the Ministry of Education have to make a decision on whether or not they wish to transfer to local authorities, half of the workers have already chosen to become local authority civil servants. Such transfers of state civil servants to local authority bodies are not without consequences for both trade unions and staff representation bodies.
- 06 Aug 2007
France: Controversy over agreement on workplace accidents and illnessesIn March 2007, protracted negotiations between trade unions and employer organisations on the issue of accidents at work and occupational diseases led to a protocol of agreement changing some aspects of the existing system. However, the text of the agreement has been criticised by two associations representing those affected by workplace accidents and illnesses, and two of the five trade union confederations have refused to sign it.
- 06 Aug 2007
France: Legality of new recruitment contract challengedThe ‘new recruitment contract’ (contrat nouvelles embauches, CNE) was introduced in August 2005 by the Villepin government. However, significant legal uncertainties still arise concerning the future of the CNE. Furthermore, the government’s figures regarding its impact on employment have been contested in a context of controversy over the method of calculating the unemployment rate and thus establishing current employment levels.
- 06 Aug 2007
France: Mixed reaction to Economic and Social Council ruling against Sunday shop openingFollowing two months of discussions regarding the issue of shops opening on Sundays, the French government referred the matter to the Economic and Social Council (CES). In February 2007, the CES issued an opinion, which advocated keeping Sunday as a rest day, except in certain cases. The proposals have generated a mixed response from the social partners.
- 30 Jul 2007
France: Pensions body calls for further pension reformsThe Pensions Stewardship Council has published its report on issues and policies for 2008 regarding pension reform. The Law on pension reform, which was adopted in 2003, provided for an assessment and possible adjustments in 2008. Among the proposals for ensuring sustainability of the system are the need to lengthen the contribution period for full pensions, to raise contribution amounts and to ensure a minimum pension. Trade union reaction has been critical of the proposals.
- 14 Jun 2007
France: Industrial relations developments 2006 — FranceIn 2006, many flaws appeared in French social regulation. The revolt in the suburbs of several cities in October 2005 was followed in February-March 2006 by young people protesting against the risk of greater job insecurity. There are more visible divisions between different groups in society. The presidential and general elections in Spring 2007 took place during a period of considerable social risk.
- 11 Jun 2007
France: Union wins jobs for Marseille Port workers at new gas terminalAs a result of Gaz de France’s (GDF) determination to exclusively control the loading and unloading of gas from tankers that will dock at the future gas terminal near Marseille, the General Confederation of Labour at the Marseille Port Authority (PAM) called workers to strike. After 18 days of strike action, the trade union won its case. In early 2008, GDF will reserve five full-time jobs for PAM employees at the new terminal to work alongside its own employees.
- 04 Jun 2007
France: Draft agreement for entertainment industry workers still on holdThroughout 2006, speculation continued in relation to the proposed reform of the special unemployment insurance scheme for workers employed sporadically on fixed-term employment contracts in the entertainment sector. As a result, finalising the draft agreement on the reform has again been postponed. The draft agreement, which was completed in April 2006, has still not been signed a year later.
- 04 Jun 2007
France: New law obliges government to consult with social partners prior to labour reformsOn 17 January 2007, the French parliament adopted a new law aimed at modernising social dialogue. The regulations oblige the government to consult with the social partners before proposing any reforms to the labour law. Such provisions could lead to the negotiation of a national cross-sector collective agreement, which would in turn be taken into account in a draft law proposed by the government.
- 30 May 2007
France: Gender and career development — FranceThis comparative study examines the issue of gender and career development and explores the continuing barriers to achieving equality of opportunity in this area in France.
- 28 May 2007
France: Controversy over 39-hour week in hotels and restaurants sectorOn 17 October 2006, the Supreme Administrative Court cancelled the measures granting a 39-hour week in the hotels, restaurants and catering sector. This decision received a mixed reaction among the social partners. However, on 25 October, the parliament temporarily restored these measures until a new collective agreement is signed in 2007.
- 28 May 2007
France: CFE-CGC seeks to increase membership levelsThe French Confederation of Professional and Managerial Staff (CFE-CGC) held its thirty-third congress in December 2006. The congress stated its determination to develop the organisation and membership of the union, in order to ‘bring more meaning to a world which has lost its bearings’. Moreover, the president of CFE-CGC called for debate on the need to ensure better security over the career path.
- 28 May 2007
France: Ban on smoking in public places and at workEffective from the start of February 2007, the French government introduced a smoking ban in public places like offices, schools and public buildings. Other public spaces such as restaurants, nightclubs and some types of bars have been permitted time to adjust to the new law and can delay applying the order until January 2008. Opinion polls reveal that the majority of employees are in favour of the ban, even though there is some resistance to it from the business community.
- 28 May 2007
France: Deadlock in civil service pay negotiationsIn spite of a day of action on 8 February 2007, called for by the majority of civil service trade unions, the government has still refused to open negotiations on pay in the civil service. Increases in 2006 simply maintained public servants’ purchasing power and no increases have been announced for 2007.
- 28 May 2007
France: Representativeness of the social partners: Telecommunications sector – FranceIndustrial relations in the telecommunications sector in France are marked by the situation that existed before the process of liberalisation and privatisation. They are dominated by one major company (>90% employment), France Telecom, and one particular category of employees, namely those with civil service status. The unions are highly fragmented and heterogeneous. In spite of these unfavourable conditions, there is much collective bargaining, which is also making progress at the level of this recently developed sector.
- 27 Apr 2007
France: National police force holds workplace electionsWorkplace elections were held in all parts and grades of the national police force in France from 20 to 23 November 2006. As well as the usual focus on defending the position of the police force in society, controversy was also raised in relation to the policies of Nicolas Sarkozy, the former Interior Minister and right-wing candidate for the presidential elections on 22 April 2007.
- 19 Mar 2007
France: Social partners tackle labour market reforms togetherIn October 2006, the leaders of three employer organisations and five trade union confederations in France met for the first time since 2000. Their objective was to define, by the end of the first quarter of 2007, a follow-up plan for the three working groups that have been created in relation to the unemployment insurance system, employment contracts and ensuring better security over the career path.
- 19 Mar 2007
France: Celebrations to mark historical labour events highlight importance of social dialogueIn 2006, ceremonies were held to mark three historical events which had forged relations between the state, trade unions and employer organisations in France: the centenary of the Charter of Amiens, the centenary of the creation of the Ministry of Labour, and the bicentenary of the prud’hommes industrial tribunal. The celebrations provided an opportunity to discuss the current and future position of social dialogue in France.
- 19 Mar 2007
France: Unions denounce government conference on employment as an empty gestureIn December 2006, the French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, brought together trade unions and employer representatives for a national conference on employment and income. The last such meeting had been held in 1997, during Lionel Jospin’s tenure. While the employers expressed satisfaction with this event, the unions unanimously denounced the government initiative as a ‘public relations’ stunt.
- 12 Mar 2007
France: Government initiatives to benefit low-paid workers and SMEsFollowing a government seminar at the end of August 2006, the French prime minister outlined measures, including some new initiatives, which the government is planning to implement in the coming months. The measures concern a range of different areas including social dialogue, employment and improving the purchasing power of low-wage earners.
- 25 Jan 2007
France: CFDT 46th congress debates union’s future approachThe French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) held its 46th national congress in Grenoble from 12 to 16 June 2006. Almost 2,000 delegates attended, during which they debated the confederation’s report on its past activities and strategy for future policy. Social dialogue on ‘making career paths secure’ and on ‘employment contract rules’ was at the heart of these discussions. The congress has shown that CFDT has become a force to be reckoned with, both in relation to reforms, and also in relation to supporting the opinion held by the majority of workers.
- 25 Jan 2007
France: Union refuses to sign agreement on diversity in companiesIn October 2006, employers and trade unions successfully negotiated an intersectoral agreement on ‘diversity in companies’. Four out of five trade union confederations announced their intention to sign this agreement, which aims to initiate social dialogue on diversity issues in companies with a workforce of 50 people or over. However, the French Confederation of Professional and Managerial Staff – General Confederation of Professional and Managerial Staff (Confédération française de l’encadrement – confédération générale des cadres, CFE-CGC) has announced that it will not sign the agreement.
- 15 Jan 2007
France: Report advocates radical overhaul of vocational training systemA report published by the Paris Chamber of Commerce in September 2006 advocates a radical overhaul of the French vocational training system. The report’s authors point to a number of limitations of the system, in particular the poor coordination and inefficient use of funding. The trade unions are, however, opposed to some of the recommendations of the report, in particular the proposal to remove the individual right to training.
- 04 Jan 2007
France: Private agencies authorised to provide employment placement servicesThe 2005 Law on Social Cohesion put an end to the state-run National Employment Agency’s monopoly over placement services for unemployed people in France. In July 2006, the National Union for Employment in Industry and Commerce, which is in charge of the bipartite unemployment insurance scheme, launched a European invitation to tender, aimed at entrusting private organisations with the placement of 46,000 jobseekers.
- 04 Jan 2007
France: Landmark agreement on vocational training in social economy sectorIn September 2006, three employer organisations and three trade union confederations representing the social economy sector signed the first agreement on continuing vocational training for the sector. The employers and trade unions determined five areas where further consultation is required, including the transferability of the individual right to training from one company to another as well as the promotion of individual career paths through the recognition of work experience.