Whats all the fuss about the French labor law (CPE)?
What is the CPE (Contrat Première Embauche: First Job Contract)? The French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin announced this new labor law on January 16, 2006. It makes it possible for employers, for a two year period, to separate from employees under 26 years of age without having to provide justification. The French PM, along with most of the right political parties and employers, believe this measure will help lower the unemployment rate amongst the young. Unemployment for people under 25 is about 20% (40%-50% in the poor suburbs). Globally, the French unemployment rate is about 9.5%. Left political parties and the trade unions believe this is an unfair measure that will contribute to increased “precarity” in the French society. To understand why such a simple measure creates so much unrest, a little history is required. Since the French Revolution in 1789, French society has evolved under the principal that “Bosses/Corporations” must be opposed/balanced with the needs of Humans/
