French industry in social framework talks

Representatives of employers and unions in France have begun discussions on a new social framework in France, which, if the employers have their way, will lead to a much reduced role for the state. Employers' federation Medef has forced the pace on the issue by threatening to withdraw from the existing joint bodies with the unions which administer much of France's social system, including unemployment insurance and sick pay. A meeting with the main union confederations on 3 February, from which the government was excluded, agreed to set up working groups to examine eight issues and to reconvene in the early summer. The eight issues for discussion are: collective bargaining mechanisms, unemployment insurance, health and safety at work, additional pensions provision, training, equality at work, the status of managers and general social protection including the financing of sick pay and family support.