France
Proposals to reform the labour code were published owin 31 August with some initial negative reactions from the trade unions. A common response was that the raft of reforms was being put forward before there had been a proper evaluation of the changes that have been implemented in the last four years. Unions expressed concern about rebalancing of the relationship between sector and company-level bargaining and changes to compensation in cases of redundancy. In small companies (less than 50 employees) it will be possible for employers to negotiate with non-trade union representatives and in companies with less than 300 employees existing committees dealing with health and safety and working conditions will be merged. The CGT confederation will maintain its opposition to the proposals with a day of action and strikes on 12 September. The CFDT expressed disappointment with what it saw as a missed opportunity to improve social dialogue while FO said it would need time to analyse the reforms and UNSA similarly said it would consult with members and work to amend the negative elements.
