The government is gradually lifting its aid for short-time working as of today. Nothing changes for the employee: he will always have 84% of his net salary. But it is no longer the State that will pay for everything, companies will finance 15% of the expenditure. A first step towards lifting this partial unemployment which is very expensive. But another device should complete it in a few weeks.
"Without support, we can expect mass layoffs"
It is a completely new device which should enter into force. If the company has a sharp drop in activity, it will be able to negotiate a reduction in the working time of its employees of up to 40%. Of course, working less means earning less. It is then the State which will bear all or part of the loss of wages. Small wages should be much better compensated. And in exchange, the companies agree not to dismiss for the duration of this agreement.
It was industry employers, supported by most of the unions in the sector, who lobbied to pass such a measure. "Without support, we can expect mass layoffs," it is said in the industry. In aeronautics or in the automotive industry, for example, the order books are empty. Once finally adopted in parliament - surely within a week - the government should issue a decree. The entry into force of this measure could take place from July 1.