French employee representative bodies, Social and Economic
Committees, have a new role scrutinising the environmental
implication of employers' projects.
The Social and Economic Committee (CSE) is the employee
representation body in France, composed of elected staff members
(elections take place every four years in principle), in companies
with at least 11 employees.
The Committee's prerogatives are much greater in companies
with at least 50 employees: the employer must inform and consult
the Committee on questions and projects concerning the
organisation, management and general running of the company (for
example: restructuring projects). This consultation must take place
before any implementation of the employer's decision.
