‘Speak-French-only’ work clause criticised
Demands for workers on building sites to speak French, inserted in a clause in work contracts issued by local authorities, have been branded “politically dubious and legally useless” and “racist and discriminatory”.
The so-called ‘clause Molière’ has been put into public works contracts in some regions to halt what is seen as unfair competition from EU workers.
It could affect 280,000 EU workers sent to work in France by their company.
These ‘posted workers’ are sent from their home country on short fixed terms, receiving lower salaries and paying social charges in their home country.
Pierre Gattaz, of the employers’ federation Medef, said the clause hid a danger: “You start like that, then you get into a little favouritism and then you close France’s borders, and you end up coming out of the euro.”
He added that there was also a risk to the 180,000 French people who were also working in Europe with French companies.
Economy minister Michel Sapin called it “politically dubious and legally useless” and has ordered a legal investigation.
MEP Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, who sits on the commission for employment, said it “ran counter to the fundamental values of the EU”.
The government has also started tests in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie of a new ID card for building workers meant to prevent unfair competition from illegal foreign workers.
