The idea of ​​a “senior permanent contract” raises doubts among unions

To help the elderly unemployed, employers are defending a shock solution: the “senior permanent contract”. On Thursday, February 15, two employer organizations – MEDEF and the Confederation of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (CPME) – each separately pleaded in favor of such a system that aims to put applicants back in the saddle. Employment is approaching or has crossed the age of 60. The proposal, drawn up as part of negotiations for a “new contract for life at work” starting on December 22, 2023, has been received with great caution by unions.

Speaking to reporters at the end of Thursday’s discussion session, Meddef representative Hubert Mongon explained that the idea supported by his movement “Avoid the Professional Disassembly Box” For those registered with France Travel (formerly Pole Employe) who are in the twilight of their career. From a certain age, he recalled, that is “extremely complicated” to find a job.

That is why Madeff is campaigning in favor of a new contract – a senior permanent contract, therefore – which can be signed by unemployed people aged 60, or even younger if a sector agreement is made at this point. “Taking into account the sectional realities”. For the employer, such a system would present many interests. First, it will have the option to terminate the employment relationship once its employee has contributed enough to retire at the full rate. In other words, automatic retirement will be possible as soon as these conditions of membership period are fulfilled, without waiting for 70 years. “Like Today”

, underlined Mr. Mongon. In addition, “Social System of Retirement Compensation” will be reviewed, “By eliminating the specific employer contribution of 30%”. For the employee, it will be “Supported until retirement, possibly by collecting differential unemployment benefits, if he earns less than (her) Previous Activity ».

“False Good Idea”

CPME, for its part, recommends a comparable mechanism, but its vice-president Eric Chave believes more. “ambitious” than Madeff. This version of the Senior Standing Agreement will accompany the “reduce” Employer Contribution to Unemployment Insurance. The relief measure will be financed by savings on compensation for older jobseekers. Currently, people registered with France Travel who are at least 53 years old have the possibility – under certain conditions – to receive the allowance for longer than others. This advantage will disappear and in the scheme recommended by the CPME, the common law will be applied to everyone. Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, since the fall of 2023, has declared himself several times in favor of this approach.

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