One of the measures that has been most criticized by trade unions is the one that modifies the access to benefits regarding the time worked, going from four to six months, in the last 24 months (36 for those over 53 years of age).

In addition, the amount of this subsidy will be calculated on the basis of the period worked, which is why temporary or part-time employees will receive less than those with more time of contribution or higher salaries.

According to a study by the employment agency itself, during the first year of enforcement of this law, this change will leave 475,000 people outside the social coverage, mainly “young or seasonal workers who have multiple short contracts,” often with the same employer.

Labor Minister Elisabeth Borne considered, however, that “the resort to short contracts is a phenomenon largely independent from the economic situation” and is due to “the habits of those involved,” which can be modified by changing the parameters of the unemployment insurance.

The unions, in turn, appealed the law to the Council of State, France’s highest administrative court, which, in a few days, should give its opinion on the calculations and the loss of rights claimed by the plaintiffs.

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