French bargaining system to change

The French government has proposed major alterations in the country's system of collective bargaining, which has remained largely unchanged for 30 years.

A key element of the planned changes is that they would end a situation where a single union can reach a binding agreement with the employers, even if the others object. In future unions representing a majority of employees in the industry or company will have to sign the agreement, or at least not formally object, before it comes into force.

The two largest union confederations, the CFDT and CGT, support the need for agreements to have majority support, although both have major criticisms of aspects of the proposals. The smaller union confederations are opposed.