2024-11-25 12:52:00
How many votes will there be cast? This data is awaited with as much interest as the score of the organizations which are in the running for the professional elections in very small companies (VSE). As voting operations begin on Monday November 25 for two weeks – until Monday December 9 – public authorities and unions are hoping for a boost in participation. Since it took place for the first time in 2012, the vote has inspired deep indifference, with an impressive percentage of abstainers, which has continued to grow, reaching just over 94% in 2021, when from the previous edition.
This election is aimed at employees of companies with fewer than eleven employees and home-based employees (providing childcare, household chores, etc.). That is, nearly 5.4 million women and men, invited to make their choice known by mail or online.
The vote is added to those held in companies with at least eleven people and in chambers of agriculture in order to measure the representativeness of unions, at the interprofessional level as well as in the branches. It is also used to appoint industrial tribunal advisors. Finally, it makes it possible to appoint members of regional inter-professional joint committees (CPRI), bodies responsible for providing information to employers and workers of VSEs or resolving disputes amicably.
The vote “opens with disturbing discretion”according to the Solidaires trade union, which deplores that “government communication” either if ” weak “. The State services object that a promotional action is being carried out until the beginning of December to encourage the employees concerned to vote: spots on the radio, advertising inserts in daily newspapers, use of bloggers – like César Roussel, who has a large following on TikTok and on Instagram –, etc.
The unions, for their part, led the campaign, not without difficulty because their presence in VSEs is residual and the electorate is, by nature, dispersed. Establishing contact in the workplace can be difficult, as it requires the employer’s consent, which is not always guaranteed.
Modest ambitions
Part of the employers have, however, decided to cooperate, through the Union of Local Businesses (U2P), which represents artisans, traders and the liberal professions. On October 30, its president, Michel Picon, insisted on the need to “get participation off the ground”during a meeting in Paris with the leaders of the main confederations: the higher it will be, “the more the voice of VSEs will carry”according to the number one of the U2P, who urged its members to facilitate the expression of vote.
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What steps do union representatives like Jean Dupont believe are essential to combat the high levels of abstention in professional elections?
**Interview with Jean Dupont, Union Representative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jean. As we approach the professional elections for very small companies, what are your thoughts on the current state of voter participation?
**Jean Dupont:** Thank you for having me. The situation is concerning. As you noted, the participation rate has significantly declined, with over 94% abstention in 2021. This demonstrates a growing indifference toward these elections, which is troubling for the future of worker representation.
**Interviewer:** What do you think are the main reasons behind this high level of abstention?
**Jean Dupont:** There are several factors at play. First, many employees in very small companies often feel disconnected from the union activities and may not see the immediate benefits of participating in elections. Additionally, there is a general lack of awareness about the implications of these elections on their working conditions and rights.
**Interviewer:** In light of these challenges, what efforts are being made to increase voter turnout in the upcoming elections starting November 25?
**Jean Dupont:** Various strategies are in place. Unions are actively engaging with employees through outreach programs, educational campaigns, and social media to highlight the importance of their participation. We want to ensure that every eligible employee understands that their vote can help shape the future of their workplace.
**Interviewer:** The elections are aimed at employees of companies with fewer than eleven employees. How many individuals does this affect, and why should they bother to vote?
**Jean Dupont:** This election impacts around 5.4 million men and women across France. They should vote because it’s their opportunity to influence who represents them in the workplace. If they want their voices heard, they need to participate; it’s crucial for achieving better rights and working conditions.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to employees as we near the voting period?
**Jean Dupont:** I would urge everyone to take this election seriously. Participating in these elections is not just a right but a responsibility. Your vote matters, and it can lead to meaningful changes in your work environment. Let’s overcome the apathy and make our voices heard.
