Medef Proposes Changes to Unemployment Insurance for Intermittent Workers
In a recent development, Medef, the French employers' organization, has proposed tightening the conditions for intermittent workers in the entertainment industry regarding their eligibility for unemployment insurance. This proposal, communicated to AFP by two unions, is set to be discussed in negotiations between employers and unions on Friday. The changes aim to address the government's call for improved financial balance within the unemployment insurance system by suggesting additional savings measures.
The key change proposed by Medef includes raising the minimum number of hours that intermittent workers must have worked in the past year to qualify for unemployment benefits. Specifically, the requirement would increase from 507 hours to 580 hours for artists and 610 hours for technicians. This adjustment reflects the understanding that intermittent workers, due to the nature of their jobs, tend to experience higher unemployment rates compared to other sectors, leading to criticisms regarding the costs associated with their benefits.
Impact on Cross-Border Workers and the Bonus-Malus System
In addition to the changes affecting intermittent workers, Medef's proposal also includes a plan to modify the compensation structure for cross-border workers. The suggested changes would introduce a coefficient to reduce their benefits, which are currently based on their last remuneration abroad—typically higher than local French salaries. This measure is part of a broader effort to ensure that unemployment insurance is equitable across different worker categories.
Furthermore, the proposal calls for the establishment of a working group to reassess the bonus-malus system. This system currently adjusts employer contributions to unemployment insurance based on the prevalence of short-term contracts in certain sectors, a practice that has faced criticism from employers.
Upcoming Negotiations and Future Implications
The negotiations surrounding these proposals are part of a larger discussion on unemployment insurance and the employment of seniors, which began at the end of October. They are expected to conclude on November 14, with the new unemployment insurance agreement set to take effect from January 1, 2025. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of unemployment benefits in France, particularly for those in the entertainment sector and cross-border workers.
