The nature abhors a vacuum and change. That’s why, following the adoption of the ordinances on the Labor Law, the “street” has spoken in a disorderly fashion in recent weeks and thus on multiple occasions, to denounce decisions that some consider a significant social regression.
Because these measures affected symbols of social rights acquired “through the struggles of successive generations,” it was evident that the provisions taken by the executive would not pass as smoothly as a letter in the mail.
In the chosen orientations, the unions saw the hand of the devil — the Medef — and undoubtedly they are not entirely wrong since the employers’ organizations as a whole welcomed these “advancements,” even though, of course, “they do not go far enough.” Classic rhetoric.
But could we remain “as is,” arms crossed and stuck in old habits, with more than 3 million unemployed knocking on Pôle Emploi’s door? Could we, in the name of acquired rights, maintain the administrative rigidity that paralyzes the entire social body and is unquestionably a barrier to employment?
No, of course not. This evolution of our law is indeed precisely the mandate that was entrusted to Emmanuel Macron this spring. It is his responsibility to conduct the long-awaited, much-dreaded, and unpopular reform at a brisk pace.
The moment is well chosen to shake up habits: at the beginning of the mandate, the legitimacy of the power is undeniable. But above all, and most importantly, business is picking up… in the right direction.
At the national level, as in the Paca region and particularly in the Alpes-Maritimes, the indicators have returned to green in recent months.
Fortunately, business failures are declining, and creations are on the rise — even though there are many micro-entrepreneurs with fragile status and survival — and especially the banks are in a position to distribute credits to those in need of modernization, development, and conquering new markets.
Therefore, we should not miss such a favorable moment, to prune the dead wood that will finally allow for more vigorous regrowth.
However, social concerns remain, and companies cannot afford to ignore them as “real” life is not limited to a financial statement. It will be the art of politics to steer the ship skillfully, with everyone on board to create a solid crew rowing in the same direction.
Jean-Michel Chevalier, Les Petites Affiches
