France : the main measure of the law on equal opportunities is violently contested

On March 9th, the Parliament definitely passed the law on equal opportunities. This law contains several measures aimed at fighting against discriminations, and others aimed at reducing the unemployment rate of youngsters. The main measure is the creation of the so-called "first job contract" for people under 26. Prime minister Dominique de Villepin has maintained this project despite the strong protest of student organizations and trade unions. On March 7th, around 1 million people throughout the country took to the streets against this new contract. And social unrest is growing each day. (Réf. 06245)
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The main measures of the law

  • The “first job contract”. The controversy over this measure is so high that it has put the government in a crisis. This new contract will be available for companies with more than 20 employees, when hiring someone under age 26. The main aspect of this contract is that it allows employers to fire the employee very easily. The “ first job contract” is similar to the “new job contract” which inaugurated, last spring, a revolution in French employment law: the...
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