Andorra Approves Labour Law Amendments and France Education Pact

The General Council unanimously approved amendments to the Labour Relations Law, reached through consensus between unions and business groups via the Economic and Social Council.

All parliamentary parties, having renounced amendments, endorsed the revised text by assent. Interior, Economy, Labour and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol presented the changes as a joint initiative to enhance employee representation in firms and promote social dialogue, while fostering collective bargaining. She acknowledged that elections for worker delegates have taken place in just 17 companies to date—mainly public bodies or foundations—despite the law operating for nearly a decade. The updates seek to render the framework more effective and operational, in line with international recommendations, including from the Council of Europe on the European Social Charter. Marsol stressed the importance of upholding the agreement between the Trade Union Federation and the Business Confederation.

Parties backed the measure, though the Social Democratic Party (PS) deemed it inadequate. Deputy president Susanna Vela noted the original law's imbalance, approved without worker involvement, and criticised the two legislatures required to address its shortcomings. She argued that weakening labour standards has impeded talent attraction and retention, and warned that the reforms sustain a precarious model rooted in insecurity, notably by preserving at-will dismissals. The PS signalled intentions for more substantial revisions ahead.

Concòrdia deputy president Núria Segués viewed the law as a vital initial step, simplifying worker organisation and elections in a nation with limited such practices, and essential for advancing collective agreements. Demòcrates' Maria Martisella praised the employer-union accord as grounds for support.

In a separate unanimous vote by assent, the Council ratified a new education convention with France, the fourth such bilateral deal since the 1993 Constitution. Education Minister Ladislau Baró highlighted its role in sustaining Andorra's three secular, public and free school systems, with the French model dating to the early 20th century. The agreement emphasises training youth in competencies and values, prioritising sustainability, inclusion, gender equality and anti-bullying efforts, alongside cultural and linguistic diversity. It bolsters Andorra's financial commitment to the French system, including an eight-year modernisation of the Lycée Comte de Foix, where preparatory works have begun. Baró thanked France's consistent support, linking the deal to ties with the Co-Prince and neighbours. Though approved in Andorra, it awaits French ratification to take effect.

PS leader Susanna Vela welcomed the balanced financial burden-sharing and governance improvements from the joint commission. Andorra Endavant president Carine Montaner commended Baró's responsiveness to opposition concerns, prioritising outcomes.

The session also ratified the Kyoto Convention on customs simplification and harmonisation.