The run-up to the October 1997 social summit

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France's tripartite "Conference on pay, jobs and working time" will be held on 10 October 1997. This meeting is the result of several months' preparation, and will serve as a platform for Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to give his own analysis of the social and economic situation and also to initiate negotiations.

The "Conference on pay, jobs and working time", to be held on 10 October 1997, is a long-awaited meeting between trade unions, employers and the Government. In his investiture speech, Prime Minister Lionel Jospin had referred most social issues for consultation and negotiation between employers' associations, unions and the Government (FR9706149F). However, anything comparable to a "great Mass" like the "Grenelle" negotiations that took place after the events of May 1968 is not to be expected, and this will not be a "solve-all" meeting. The Prime Minister has made it clear that he does not wish to see any all-encompassing wages policy emerging from the conference. The Government has already given a lead in certain areas. The decision by the Government to increase salary buying power by more than 1% by shifting health insurance contributions onto the CSG (contribution sociale généralisée- FR9709164N), following the rise in the SMIC ( salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance) minimum wage in July (FR9706153N), represented an independent move on its part. By introducing this initiative, the Government hopes to eliminate the obstacle of salaries from the conference on 10 October. It has also introduced a bill for the creation of 350,000 new jobs for young people in non-profit associations and the public sector (FR9709163F).

The two main questions dealt with at the conference will be the creation of 350,000 new jobs for young people in the private sector and the reduction of working time. Employers' associations are very cautious on both subjects. The CNPF (Conseil national du patronat français) confederation has already stated that it is not in favour of new legislation on a 35-hour week. The trade unions for their part come to the meeting with varying points of view, in particular on the question of pay. The CGT (Confédération générale du travail) insists that any 35-hour week must be paid at the rate for 39 hours. The CFDT (Confédération française démocratique du travail) does not wish to see any legislation on this matter. The agenda of the meeting will be very heavy and will without doubt lead to a lot more consultation, dialogue or negotiation in the future.