Parliament definitively approves the creation of a permanent contract for those over 60

This text, adopted by the Senate before the summer break, was the first of the ordinary session to be examined by the deputies, the day after the general policy statement by Sébastien Lecornu, and on the eve of the examination of a motion of censure which should be rejected, due to lack of support from the PS.

It was approved by a landslide vote of 143 to 25, all from LFI.

"We have worked well together for the businesses and employees of this country. We will meet again this autumn for other important meetings," said Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, who made his first speeches as a minister in the Chamber on Wednesday.

The text provides in particular for the creation of a senior permanent contract called "experience enhancement contract" (CVE), on an experimental basis for the next five years following the promulgation of the law.

Designed to facilitate the hiring of job seekers aged at least 60, or even as young as 57 in the event of a sectoral agreement, this contract will give employers flexibility, who will be able to decide on retirement when the employee is entitled to a full rate, and will benefit from exemptions on retirement compensation. Currently, employers can only compulsorily retire employees at the age of 70.

The text also strengthens the obligations of branch and company negotiations on the subject of maintaining employment.

It also provides for the entry into force of a small change in unemployment insurance: first-time buyers will have to have worked five months, instead of six, to be entitled to unemployment benefit.

An agreement removing the limit of three successive terms for elected members of the Social and Economic Committee (CSE), responding to a union demand, was also approved.

The text finally transposes an agreement reached between the majority of unions and all employer organizations on June 25, intended to facilitate the use of professional retraining schemes. A government amendment meets the demands of the social partners, who had complained in July of incomplete transposition.

The broad adoption did not prevent bitter debates, with the Insoumis Louis Boyard anticipating Thursday's by promising "censorship" of the government, and warning the socialists who are preparing to vote against it against a "monumental error."