Safeguarding jobs at the heart of discussions at the Elysée

Text by: RFI Follow

Accompanied by several ministers, President Emmanuel Macron received this Thursday, June 4, union and employer organizations to try to preserve employment in a context of extreme economic fragility caused by the coronavirus crisis. Several announcements were made.

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The first measure concerns apprenticeship contracts. Over a billion euros have been mobilized to broaden the aid paid to companies that use this type of contract. Objective: to encourage structures in difficulty to continue to hire new apprentices, who alternate course and work periods.

The second measure concerns the state-funded partial unemployment scheme. Because it cannot last forever - it has already been slightly reduced - Minister of Labor Muriel Pénicaud announces the creation of a new “ long-term partial activity ” scheme   . It would help companies avoid the “ lay off or shut down” dilemma   . On the salaried side, the loss of income caused by this drop in working time would be covered by the State.

Discussions with employer and union organizations will open on Monday to clarify the contours of this device. Discussions will also be launched on access to employment for young people or on training issues.

The thorny unemployment insurance record is not forgotten. Its reform, the application of which began before being suspended, is criticized by the unions. The President of the Republic, quoted by his Minister of Labor, would be ready to "  review it in the light of the current context  ". Announcements expected by summer.

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