France’s New Labor Laws: ‘Flexibility, and No Security’<br />Philippe Martinez said that This is a means for companies to get rid of low-cost employees with seniority,<br />and therefore considered too highly paid, while at the same time recruiting precarious and disposable workers,<br />The changes to the country’s voluminous labor code are part of a broad push by President Emmanuel Macron to revive growth and steer France toward a Scandinavian-style economic model known as "flexible security."<br />But the initial imbalance between employers’ rights and workers’ protections means the economic picture could get worse before it gets better.<br />His union hailed last week’s agreement at PSA, saying it was "not a danger for employees," but "an opportunity for those who want it." Under<br />that deal, the older workers are being offered generous terms to take the buyouts.<br />1 obstacle to the competitiveness and attractiveness of France," said Olivier<br />Marchal, the chairman of Bain & Company France, a business consulting firm.<br />Also Monday, Toyota announced it would invest 300 million euros, or $367 million, to increase<br />capacity at a plant in northern France, creating up to 700 jobs through 2020.<br />The new measures may also have the effect of pitting labor groups against one another — a development that could work in Mr. Macron’s favor.
