Review CPE First Job Contract

Dear Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin,

We have been following the news of the Contrat de Premiиre Embauche (CPE) or First Job Contract and the subsequent French protests against it. We are deeply troubled by it, especially the part where "companies are allowed to fire employees under the age of 26 without reason within the first two years on the job".

One example, after a few years into the Asian Economic Crisis, jobs in Singapore and the region were scarce and if not for labour laws that protect employees' welfare, millions of fresh graduates would have fared worse.

For the majority of fresh graduates, every job they managed to get, they did everything diligently and to the best of their knowledge. Despite this healthy work attitude, many had to change several jobs in the first 3 years. Many go through more than 3 months of unemployment which made them feel extremely depressed and helpless. That is not something any vibrant youth would wish to go through.

As for this introduction of the CPE First Job Contract, it is disheartening to know such measures have to be taken.

Hence, we have started a peaceful online petition, representing especially the international youth community and addressing it to you.

This petition does not seek to dishonour you in any way, but just to show you how many people all over the world would object to this CPE First Job Contract.

Millions who have visited France, have fell in love with your Art, Cuisine, Culture and Heritage. We would love to see this continuing vibrant legacy in the youth community too. The one we have always known.

There are better ways to tackle rising unemployment. However, the CPE First Job Contract should not be one of them. It would be a great disappointment to French youths and the world alike. Hence, we kindly request for you to review it.