Former PM Proposes Constitution of Work to Guarantee Right to Work

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has proposed a “sort of Constitution of work” to enshrine a “right to work” in France, and to modernize the country’s labor code. The proposal, unveiled on the eve of the May 1st Labor Day holiday, aims to balance worker protections with increased flexibility for businesses.

Attal, in an interview with Le Figaro, detailed plans to amend the French legal framework surrounding employment. The core of the proposal centers on establishing a constitutional right to work, a move intended to provide a fundamental guarantee of employment opportunities for French citizens. This would involve a comprehensive review and potential overhaul of the existing Labor Code, known as the Code du travail.

Modernizing the Labor Code

The proposed changes seek to address concerns about the rigidity of the current Labor Code, which some businesses argue hinders their ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Attal indicated a desire to streamline regulations and introduce greater flexibility in areas such as working hours, contract types, and collective bargaining. Specific details regarding these changes were not fully elaborated in the initial announcement.

The initiative comes as the French government seeks to boost employment rates and attract investment. France has faced ongoing challenges with unemployment, particularly among young people, and the government hopes that a modernized Labor Code will create a more favorable environment for job creation.

Constitutional Amendment and Worker Rights

The proposal to enshrine a “right to work” in the French Constitution is a significant step. Currently, the French Constitution guarantees fundamental rights such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, but does not explicitly address the right to employment. Attal’s proposal aims to elevate the right to work to a similar constitutional level.

However, the concept of a “right to work” is complex and has been subject to debate. Critics argue that simply guaranteeing a right to work does not necessarily translate into meaningful employment opportunities, and that addressing underlying economic and social factors is crucial. The government will need to carefully navigate these concerns as it develops the constitutional amendment.

Political Context and Reactions

The announcement by Gabriel Attal comes at a politically sensitive time. France is preparing for potential snap legislative elections following President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party’s poor performance in the recent European Parliament elections. The proposed labor reforms could be a key component of the government’s platform as it seeks to regain momentum.

Initial reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Business groups have generally welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will lead to a more flexible and competitive labor market. Labor unions, however, have expressed caution, emphasizing the need to protect worker rights and ensure that any reforms do not undermine existing protections. Further details and consultations with stakeholders will be necessary to build consensus around the proposed changes.

Vermont’s Parallel Debate

The French proposal echoes similar debates occurring elsewhere. In the United States, Vermont voters are scheduled to vote on Proposal 3 on November 3, 2026, which would amend the state constitution to establish a right to collective bargaining and ban right-to-work laws. This follows a similar move in Illinois in 2022, where voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting collective bargaining rights. These developments highlight a global trend towards re-evaluating the balance between worker rights and economic flexibility.

If approved, Vermont would become the fifth state to establish a constitutional right to collective bargaining and the second to explicitly prohibit right-to-work legislation. The Vermont proposal requires approval by the legislature in two successive sessions, having already met the necessary voting thresholds.

The French government’s proposal, and similar initiatives in the United States, reflect a broader effort to adapt labor laws to the challenges of the 21st-century economy. The success of these efforts will depend on finding a balance that promotes both economic growth and worker well-being.