Federation of trade unions Solidaires SUD - Trade & Services
We are from the union SUD, Trade Section,
our office is not far from here, in the 17th arondissement.
Last week I got a call from an emloyee of the small shoe shop XXX, she's a TP1.
She's the first to call us, saying that she is summoned next week,
to be interviewed prior to her dismissal for gross misconduct.
She is also suspended with immediate effect.
So we found her a "conseiller du salarié" (employee counsel)
so that her right to defend herself is assured.
The next day, we receive a call from the second employee:
She, too, is summoned, tomorrrow at 2 p.m., this time it's redundancy on economic grounds.
The third employee finally also calls us.
Her contract, made less than two months ago,
is being terminated within the trial period.
Now we are very much irritated, because this means
that the employer wants to close the shop, even if he does not admit it now.
That's his "right" - so to speak -
but it should not be the employees who pay the price.
Especially not the employee who is pregant, and hopes her pregancy passes in a good way.
This is why we're here for this action.
This is the reason we came today.
It also shows that, even in very small businesses,
it is possible to intervene as a union.
And to demand basic rights with a loud voice.
"In this place: Lay-offs for christmas."
Leaving aside the fact that I am a unionist,
if I behaved like you, I would be ashamed.
Looking at it from a human standpoint I really do not know what you are doing.
- Well, what is it that you are doing here?
I simply do not want this lady to be dismissed.
- I would dismiss you as well ...
Then you should observe the rules for that.
- You constantly speak of dismissal. This is only a preliminary interview.
And what can this preliminary interview lead to? To a dismissal.
That is what you tried last month!
- Wait a minute ...
Please be honest, Sir: Dou you want to close this shop?
Yes or no? This shop has three employees.
One of them is summoned for an interview today.
The other one's contract was terminated within the trial period.
This is a bit paradox, employing someone, and then laying her off right away.
Being an employer, you should know better.
And then there's another one who was made redundant on economic grounds.
We are here today, tomorrow, and on other days if necessary.
"Pregnant woman fired: Thank you, boss!"
- Are you sure that you have the law on your side?
Yes, I have the law on my side.
- What you are doing here is trespassing ...
But you think that what you are doing is just fine?
It is disgusting, and so are you! Look at me when I am talking to you!
- Please use another tone when you speak to me ...
If you behave in this disgusting way then this is how I am talking to you!
I'm not here for your pleasure.
- You are not going to talk to me like this, OK?
We have someone here, who would like to be calm during her pregancy.
I do not know if you have children or grandchildren.
Take a moment to think, forget that you are the boss, for a minute.
What are you going to do today? - Well, what am I going to do?
You are going to lay off a pregnant woman! - What do you even know about it?
Why was she summoned then? Why?
To have a cup of tea with you? Do you want to give her a pair of shoes?
For her child? Is that why she was summoned?
You have no children? You have no problem with what is going to happen this afternoon?
This is what is called abuse of power!
Is this not a problem for you? Don't you have feelings, a conscience?
Would you like to be in the situation of this lady?
- Still, you have to respect the law ...
Respect the law??
You are going to fire her, because you are an Idiot!
I will tell you something: In a month, you are going to hire her again.
Even if you have closed your shop by then. She will be employed again.
You are going to see, mate!
I will speak the only language that you understand:
This dismissal is invalid - that's the law!
You want to fire her without a reason, because you want to close your shop.
You can close it, no problem.
But then you have to dismiss her on economic grounds.
Happy Holidays, happy union elections in very small businesses (TPE)!
From 30.12.: Vote Solidaires!