The employers propose the option of a “permanent permanent contract for seniors”, the unions are not convinced

2024-02-16 01:17:39

Employers put on the table on Thursday the creation of a “senior permanent contract” to encourage the hiring of job seekers from the age of 60, arousing clear reluctance in the union ranks. Employers and unions met at Medef headquarters as part of the negotiations which should notably make it possible to increase the employment rate of seniors. The government has set the objective of an employment rate of 65% “by 2030” for 60-64 year olds (compared to 36.2% in 2022).

“We proposed creating a senior permanent contract for job seekers,” to allow older employees who have lost their jobs to return to the job market more easily, explained Medef negotiator Hubert Mongon. This “hiring incentive contract” which would open “from the age of 60” (potentially earlier in the event of a sector agreement), should “make it possible to support the employee until retirement, possibly by accumulating this permanent contract with differential unemployment benefit if it is less well paid compared to the previous activity,” he explained.

He highlighted an advantage for the employer of having “visibility on the departure date, since retirement would be possible as soon as full retirement conditions are obtained and not at 70 years of age as is the case. is the case legally today.” The employer may decide to continue the contract beyond the full rate age. Employers are also considering reviewing the social retirement compensation scheme for senior permanent workers “by removing the specific employer contribution of 30%”, continued Hubert Mongon.

And to avoid possible windfall effects, “a waiting period of six months” would be provided between dismissal and rehiring in the same company.

Unions more than doubtful

In the union ranks, this senior CDI approach – already incorporated into the pension reform at the request of the senatorial right, but rejected by the Constitutional Council as a “legislative rider” – was more than freshly welcomed. “We are convinced that this is not the issue of this negotiation,” said Olivier Guivarch (CFDT). This will have “no impact on the employment rate”, and “it is contradictory with saying that we want to fight against stereotypes”.

It is “a heavy sign to carry” for senior job seekers, added Jean-François Foucard (CFE-CGC), while Nathalie Bazire (CGT) spoke out against “this new contract (which) does not doesn’t suit us.” Discussions also focused on part-time work or progressive early retirement, with the CFDT noting on this point an “openness” on the side of Medef, which plans to “open the system earlier” (at age 60 compared to 62 currently) subject to of a financial impact assessment.

The first union also pleaded for making the employment of seniors a specific subject of negotiation, pointing to a “disagreement” with the employers, ready to add it to others. The social partners must continue discussions, particularly on Friday on professional wear and tear. They will begin working on a draft agreement from the beginning of March, with the aim of reaching a conclusion by the end of the same month.