an unprecedented social plan which shakes up the association

Secours catholique has never had a social plan since its creation in 1946. But the slow decline in donations and the continued rise in its operating costs have pushed it to announce the elimination, next year, of 130 positions out of 932. Its president, Didier Duriez, assures that the association no longer had a choice: “Our expenses have been increasing faster than our income for around fifteen years. We responded by adjusting our spending so as not to harm beneficiaries. We have reached the end of this model.” The association promises to support the employees concerned as best as possible.

Those whose position disappears will be able to apply for 86 new missions, and a job protection plan is put in place. This did not prevent employees from taking the announcement with pain. “A certain number have already called us, sometimes in tears,” testifies Dominique Priam*, CFTC delegate. “The announcement was a shock, even if we knew the difficulties,” confirms Marie-José Gabriel, volunteer vice-president of the Picardy delegation, in which two jobs will disappear.

Hold on at all costs

Does this mean that Secours catholique will reduce its aid to people in difficulty – 1.12 million in 2024, according to its latest report published on November 20? “No,” replies Didier Duriez. To achieve this, the association will give more responsibilities to its departmental delegations and their volunteers. While placing the bulk of the cuts on the national headquarters in Paris. “We may have gone a little too far in vertical operation,” believes Didier Duriez. I did not take this position in 2024 to implement this plan. But I am convinced that it must be done.” So as not to sacrifice its missions.

On the ground, the will to hold on is palpable. “It is often through testing that we innovate. Either way, we can’t give up. So many people rely on us, whether single mothers, migrants or precarious workers. We have so many wonderful feedbacks and smiles. We feel useful,” recalls Marie-José Gabriel. In this new stage, volunteers will be more than ever a pillar of Secours catholique: everywhere, their commitment will be vital to maintaining proximity with the most vulnerable.

* On his union’s website.