2024-11-18 04:15:00
The general secretary of the CFDT, Marylise Léon, believes that the current political situation allows the social partners to play a greater role and advance their demands. She is concerned about current social plans, but also about less visible restructuring and job losses, which are occurring particularly in small businesses.
The draft agreement on unemployment insurance, on which the CFDT will make its final decision on Thursday, November 21 after an initial favorable opinion, generates enormous savings. Is this really a step forward for employees and job seekers?
Yes it is. For the CFDT, there was an issue of being responsible, both for the management of the plan and for the financial trajectory. And then we targeted specific audiences, notably seasonal workers and the first entrants to unemployment insurance – young people, in other words – for whom we wanted to improve the rules.
I am completely clear about the fact that the agreement generates savings and that efforts are required. The compass of our organization was that they were fair and best distributed according to job seekers, and that employers took their responsibility. We also knew that in the event of failure, the violent reform of [l’ancien premier ministre] Gabriel Attal, who was suspended, was still in the scene. The challenge of succeeding was therefore all the more important.
The agreement on senior employment contains few normative measures. Will it encourage companies to keep or hire employees close to sixty?
The agreement makes it possible to clarify what we agree on with employers. I don’t think that, for seniors, there is a miracle recipe, with a measure that will solve everything. But we must be able to move forward gradually. We will see what the compromise found will produce, in particular on progressive retirement now open from the age of 60 thanks to this agreement and we will meet again because the debate is not closed.
The government, which invited you to negotiate, welcomed the discussions concluded on Thursday. Is this the return to grace of the social partners after seven years during which they were mistreated?
I’m not here to remake the film. What matters to me is that the CFDT has fulfilled its role for workers and job seekers. I knew we had to be there and we were there. I now expect the government to do so, in turn, by making this confidence a reality, with rapid transposition into law of the provisions that require it.
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– What are the key benefits of the new unemployment insurance agreement for seasonal workers and young job seekers?
**Interview with Marylise Léon, General Secretary of the CFDT**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Marylise. With the draft agreement on unemployment insurance set to be finalized on November 21, can you explain how this agreement serves the interests of employees and job seekers?
**Marylise Léon:** Thank you for having me. Yes, I want to emphasize that this agreement does represent a step forward for both employees and job seekers. While it does create necessary savings, our aim was to approach this responsibly, ensuring that we consider the management of the plan and its long-term financial viability.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned targeting specific groups in this agreement. Why are seasonal workers and young people particularly significant in this context?
**Marylise Léon:** These groups are often the most vulnerable when it comes to unemployment. Seasonal workers face unique challenges due to the nature of their work, and young individuals entering the job market need robust support as they navigate their first experiences with unemployment insurance. By improving the rules for these categories, we can help mitigate some of the financial instability they often encounter.
**Interviewer:** Some critics argue that these kinds of agreements can inadvertently lead to cuts in benefits. How does the CFDT ensure that the necessary savings do not come at the expense of workers’ rights?
**Marylise Léon:** That’s a valid concern, and I must stress that our organization is committed to fairness. While yes, this agreement entails savings, our focus has been on ensuring that these savings are equitably distributed. Our commitment is to safeguard the rights of all workers while still making necessary adjustments to the system.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also highlighted the importance of social partners in the current political climate. What role do you see them playing in shaping policy moving forward?
**Marylise Léon:** The current political situation indeed opens the door for social partners to assert themselves more significantly. We have a unique opportunity to voice the collective demands of workers and influence policies that directly affect their lives, especially with respect to restructuring and job security.
**Interviewer:** Final thoughts as we anticipate the decision on the unemployment insurance agreement?
**Marylise Léon:** My hope is that this agreement will not only provide immediate benefits but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and supportive unemployment system in the future. It is crucial that we not only address the present challenges but also anticipate future needs, ensuring that all workers feel supported in their careers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marylise, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Marylise Léon:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure.