With 21.600 postcards sent to Brigitte Macron, the CAPEB network mobilized massively to maintain the status of collaborating spouse

This unprecedented action demonstrates the determination of building tradespeople to defend their freedom, their rights and the sustainability of their business.

An unprecedented wave of mobilization

On March 8, CAPEB members of all statuses met to voice their firm opposition to the abolition of the status of collaborating spouse, as provided for in the Social Security Financing Act for 2022, which requires collaborating spouses to become employees or partners by January 1, 2027. However, 85% of those affected are women, which would exacerbate inequalities and deprive thousands of them of an active role in craft construction companies and within professional bodies.

Through an unprecedented operation of mass mailing of postcards addressed to Mrs Macron, the CAPEB wishes to make visible its fight, which has suffered until now from a lack of listening, and to promote the responsible and equitable alternative that it is putting forward to save this status: allowing collaborating spouses to contribute more to strengthen their social protection, while offering them the possibility of retaining their status beyond five years.

A fight that is only just beginning

Following its appeal, the CAPEB is awaiting a meeting with Brigitte Macron to raise awareness of this crucial issue for women in the craft industry and to benefit from the spotlight it could bring to our fight. Letters were sent concurrently to each senator and member of parliament to also inform them of the implications of this reform and the alternative proposed by the CAPEB.

A successful first bet

The mobilization has grown considerably, driven on the ground by the CAPEB network. Members from all regions have taken to social media to share their voices and testify to the repercussions that the removal of this status will have on their daily lives, thus giving this action a viral response.

For Jean-Christophe Repon, president of CAPEB: "The mobilization is not weakening, it's growing! In just a few days, thousands of artisans and their spouses have risen up to defend their right to choose. This message, delivered forcefully, must be heard at the highest levels. We will not let this reform weaken artisanal businesses and make the role of women invisible. CAPEB will remain on the front line until this injustice is corrected."

CAPEB invites all women in the craft sector to mobilize to defend their freedom of choice and their recognition in the construction sector.

Read the article published by L'Opinion on March 8: available here.

Watch the summary video of the mobilization of women and men who are heads of craft businesses: to see again here.

Find the postcard in digital format: To download here.

How to get involved? Campaign explanations: To download here.