How do CSE meetings work?

And yes each CSE must hold meetings, it is the law. The number, subject and procedure of these meetings are fixed by precise rules, which may depend on the size of the company. In this article, we will enlighten you a little more on this subject.

The number of meetings

The frequency of CSE meetings depends on the existence of a company agreement and the size of the company concerned. If there is no such agreement, these meetings must be held monthly in companies with 11 to 49 employees and in those with more than 300, and every two months in companies with 50 to 299 employees.

In any event, the number of meetings cannot be less than six per year. However, exceptional meetings can take place, in particular following an accident or a serious event.

The convocation and the composition of the CSE

It is up to the employer or his representative to convene the CSE. It is made up of the employer, who chairs the CSE meeting, elected staff representatives, or, in their absence, their alternates, and, depending on the size of the company, union representatives.

In addition, ex-officio members, such as the industrial doctor, attend meetings of the Economic and Social Council. The members of the CSE have delegation hours enabling them to carry out their duties on the Board. They are considered by the employer as hours of actual work and remunerated as such.

The purpose of the sessions

At least every year, the employer must consult the CSE on matters essential to the life of the company. These are first of all the strategic orientations as well as the economic and financial situation of the company.

The employer must also take the advice of the members of the CSE on the social policy of the company and on employment and working conditions.

In addition, at least four annual meetings must deal with questions relating to health, safety and working conditions within the company.

The agenda for each session is set jointly by the employer and the secretary of the CSE. He must specify all the subjects which will be dealt with during the meeting. The preparation of the agenda must be discussed beforehand.

A mandatory report

Keeping a meeting report, by the secretary of the CSE, is a legal obligation. This document must reproduce the remarks exchanged during the meeting. Depending on the Committee's decision, it may be exhaustive or be in the form of a summary of the deliberations.

He must also provide a record of the decisions taken during the session. Its approval procedures must be set by the CSE, and included in its internal regulations. The report is sent to the persons concerned within a deadline fixed by law, but which can be subject to negotiation between the employer and the CSE.

In the event of a possible dispute between the employer and the employees, the report has legal value before the courts.