France: decree sets out procedure for social and economic committee meetings held via conference call and instant messaging

One of the urgent measures taken amid the Covid-19 crisis allows social and economic committees (CSE) to hold remote meetings, which constitutes an exemption from the French labour code, so these staff representation bodies can continue to function (see article n°11792). By way of derogation, videoconferences – or conference calls if this is not possible or, failing that, an instant messaging service – may be used for CSE meetings (without an agreement needed on the matter). A decree published in France’s official journal on 11 April sets out how the latter two mediums should be used.
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Under this decree, when a meeting is held via conference call or instant messaging, “the technical device implemented should guarantee the identification of members, as well as their effective participation by ensuring the continuous and simultaneous retransmission of the sound of deliberations”. The decree adds that the technology used should not obstruct the holding of meeting “suspensions”.

When a vote by secret ballot is held, the device used for voting should meet the same conditions as tho

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