France’s New Labor Laws: ‘Flexibility, and No Security’
Philippe Martinez said that This is a means for companies to get rid of low-cost employees with seniority,
and therefore considered too highly paid, while at the same time recruiting precarious and disposable workers,
The changes to the country’s voluminous labor code are part of a broad push by President Emmanuel Macron to revive growth and steer France toward a Scandinavian-style economic model known as "flexible security."
But the initial imbalance between employers’ rights and workers’ protections means the economic picture could get worse before it gets better.
His union hailed last week’s agreement at PSA, saying it was "not a danger for employees," but "an opportunity for those who want it." Under
that deal, the older workers are being offered generous terms to take the buyouts.
1 obstacle to the competitiveness and attractiveness of France," said Olivier
Marchal, the chairman of Bain & Company France, a business consulting firm.
Also Monday, Toyota announced it would invest 300 million euros, or $367 million, to increase
capacity at a plant in northern France, creating up to 700 jobs through 2020.
The new measures may also have the effect of pitting labor groups against one another — a development that could work in Mr. Macron’s favor.