This weekend, the Senate relaunched a highly sensitive debate. Centrist senator Olivier Henno adopted an amendment aimed at extend annual working hours by 12 hours. On paper, this increase only represents 15 minutes per week, or 3 minutes of additional work per day. A symbolic measure which would not affect the 35 hours per week, but will relaunch the debate on the balance between private and professional life.
What is it for?
Officially, the measure aims to generate more wealth to strengthen the financing of Social Security. The amendment was adopted by 199 votes to 135, thanks to the alliance of the right and the center, but it arouses strong political and social opposition. Firstly because the text, tabled as part of the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2026, does not impose a direct modification of weekly schedules, leaving it to the social partners to organize themselves for its implementation. According to its authors, this measure could generate more than 10 billion euros in additional contributions and taxes per year, without increasing taxes or affecting rights. social benefits of workers.
On the left, critics highlight the risk of increasing the gaps between employees capable of adapting their pace thanks to teleworking and those for whom each minute worked involves additional physical fatigue. Even the government is reserved on the subject. The Minister of Labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, judged the approach “inappropriate” within the framework of the Social Security budget, refusing to validate this path in the current context, considering that the question deserves a debate in its own right. The text must still be validated in the Assembly, but the probability that this measure will come into force remains very low, due to lack of compromise. The operation is also reminiscent of the attempt of François Bayrou, who during his functions as Prime Minister, had suggested the possibility of eliminating two public holidays. A symbolic challenge to social achievements which will have great difficulty to enter into public debate.
🟣 To not miss any news on the WorldOfSoftware, subscribe on Google News and on our WhatsApp. And if you love us, .
