Remote work: The government must extend the minimum three-day period for two weeks

A “final payment” for forced remote work? “We hope this will be the last effort,” the Labor Secretary, Elizabeth Bourne told employers’ organizations and trade unions who met by video link, Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 5:40 pm, in order to keep everyone informed of the decisions they are preparing The executive branch to announce it … At the end of another meeting of the Health Defense Council, which takes place Thursday morning, Jean Castix must decide on the government’s position and determine the line of sight. The main message that the Prime Minister will send: There is no need to lower our guard and leave the ballast today, especially in remote work!

You have to be patient. Because the pollution numbers keep slipping away: 465,000 in the last 24 hours and the tensions in hospitals. Elizabeth Bourne has apparently worked to make this inventory count by announcing to organizations that the rules set by Jan Castex, three days of remote work – or even four days if possible – are mandatory since January 3 and for three weeks, must be extended at least. Two weeks. “We are aware that the situation can be difficult for some employees and some companies,” she said.

Video. Covid-19: “compulsory” remote work three days a week from the beginning of the school year

“Companies will comply with the requests.”

It’s hard to rush to stretchers. However, during the meeting, the representative of Medef expressed his disapproval, expressing surprise that this measure was retained “for the sake of a major flu”. What upset Elizabeth Bourne, who strongly objected to these statements. However, at Medef headquarters, comments were mild: “Companies will comply with the government’s requests, but regret this decision which will affect certain sectors of the economy and employee morale. We would have preferred to incite coercion.”

In recent days, employers’ organizations have spared no effort to inform Matignon and the Elysee Palace that many companies are “bored”. The Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME) notes that “many employees also have enough of it”. Jean Eudes du Mesnil du Buisson, CPME’s number two, knows that in the face of rising pollution, two million a week, it’s hard to deny. However, he has noticed a decrease in hospital admissions and hopes to be able to turn the page as quickly as possible.

The unions also lined up behind this measure

In the ranks of the unions, Yves Ferrier, from the organization FO, makes it clear that he never changes his position: “The question of forced remote work is a decision of public authorities that depends on health. I adhere to everything described.” After that, I am not in a position to assess Effectiveness of the measure,” said the FO’s general secretary, while noting that “telework at high doses is psychologically harmful to some employees.” Unions almost spoke with one voice, lining up behind the measure while remembering that caution should be exercised with employees who might feel isolated.

The Minister of Labor, Elizabeth Bourne, reminded that the state continued to provide financial support to companies affected by the restrictions. And formed a message of caution in the face of variables.

Friday, the Constitutional Council still has to rule on the new health law, which includes in particular the creation of the vaccination card. As for the €500 penalty for employers who are reluctant to work remotely, which Medef has angered, there is little chance of it being rejected.