"While collective agreements and the fundamental rights of workers must be preserved, it is essential to incorporate more flexibility and personalised solutions." On Tuesday evening, the Federation of Artisans (Fédération des artisans, FDA) and the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts (Chambre des métiers, CDM) called for an overhaul of social dialogue and labour law to adapt them to the realities of businesses and employees.

The two organisations called for "stronger negotiation at company level: the needs of employees and employers often differ depending on the sector and the company. The craft trades advocate specific agreements negotiated directly within companies, respecting local realities".

They also insisted on a realistic approach to collective agreements. "Agreements must evolve to allow derogations from labour law when they are negotiated in a balanced way between employers and employees."

Finally, "while only 10% of craft businesses have trade union representation, the federation stresses the need for dialogue to include all stakeholders, not just trade unions."

"Craftspeople need to focus on their know-how and innovation, and not sink to paper", stressed FDA chair . This is the second part of his wishes for 2025: administrative simplification.

Three measures are proposed:

- A target of reducing regulatory obligations by 25% by 2025 is proposed, with a more ambitious long-term objective.

- The proliferation of European regulations, such as the EU’s CSRD rules, generates a cascade of indirect obligations for SMEs.

- An "SME rule", similar to the one applied in Germany, could reduce reporting obligations for smaller businesses.

Finally, the Meyer cited a 40% increase in absenteeism since the covid pandemic, and expressed the hope that employees would contribute to sick pay at the same level as companies.

Read the original French-language version of this news report /