France's employers' group Medef is defending its ideas to combat youth unemployment, despite union backlash. The proposal for a special open-ended contract for under-30s has sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to the 2006 CPE. The government says the idea is not on the agenda.
On January 28, France's employers' organization Medef submitted proposals to boost hiring of under-30s, as part of potential social negotiations. Key among them is an open-ended contract (CDI) that can be terminated without cause for the first three years, including employer training obligations and increasing severance pay upon rupture.
Fabrice Le Saché, Medef vice-president, told RMC on February 2 that the aim is to address the 'scandal' of youth unemployment, described as a 'human waste.' He framed it as fueling debate on this persistent issue, without backing down amid controversy.
The idea echoes the 2006 first employment contract (CPE), introduced by then-Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and scrapped after widespread protests. The CGT called it a 'declaration of war against youth and workers,' with general secretary Sophie Binet accusing employers of offering 'lifelong precariousness.' Student union UNEF threatens 'mass mobilization.'
Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella sees it as 'leveling down' and advocates boosting apprenticeships instead. Medef stresses these are merely working axes to discuss youth not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).
Matignon stated on February 2 that the proposal 'is not on the agenda.' The government's priority is wrapping up ongoing talks on conventional terminations by late February, targeting €400 million in savings on severance pay.
