Things are heating up in the Senate. And last night, he passed a much-discussed measure that could force all workers to work seven hours of overtime a year in exchange for…zero pay. We'll explain it to you.
Two and a half billion in savings
The objective of this measure is clear: to finance Social Security, and more particularly the growing needs of the autonomy sector. The proposal was voted on during the debates on the Social Security budget for 2025, with 216 votes against 119. If implemented, this measure could bring in 2.5 billion euros each year, intended to support people elderly and disabled.
This initiative is in addition to the “solidarity day” already in force since 2004, where workers contribute one day per year without pay. But here, the idea would be to increase additional working hours, in the form of a “solidarity contribution through work”. In practice, this could result in a distribution of these overtime hours over the year, depending on agreements between employers and unions.
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A proposal that is not unanimous
If the measure was adopted in the Senate during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, it is the subject of strong criticism and numerous debates, mainly on the left. According to communist senator Cathy Apourceau-Poly, this measure would simply be an “attack on the world of work”. She would even go so far as to suggest, not without sarcasm, imposing “a day of dividend solidarity” to involve shareholders more. Without much suspense, his proposal was not accepted but it fueled the controversy.
The government, for its part, has expressed its disavowal at this stage, while opening the door to future discussions. The Minister of Public Accounts, Laurent Saint-Martin, notably stressed that such a measure should be reworked with the social partners. According to him, it would be irresponsible to reject the idea outright without further consultation.
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Negotiations in progress
Although this reform was adopted by the Senate, it is far from being final. The text must now go before a joint committee next week. Made up of deputies and senators, this commission will have to find a compromise on the issue, an essential step to determine whether the measure will be validated or amended before its return to the National Assembly.
This Senate proposal, although approved, is therefore only a first step.
