“The Montpellier-Grabels Zero Long-Term Unemployment Territory (TZCLD) program not only gives us the opportunity to work again, but also to grow in a supportive environment where everyone respects each other and mutual aid is the norm.” Claude was able to bounce back thanks to this experimental approach.
At 60, he could no longer endure being unemployed after having worked for a medical device manufacturer based in Montpellier. When the proposal, presented by the cities of Montpellier and Grabels, was awarded TZCLD certification, he jumped at the chance: he volunteered to participate in the experiment and joined the Hauts Val & Co Employment-Focused Enterprise (EBE), created as part of this project.
Hired as a cross-functional employee, Claude feels useful again providing services that were not previously offered by private or public organizations in the Hauts de Massane and La Valsière neighborhoods, which make up the TZCLD experimental territory.
Like the 36 other people recruited by this Employment-Focused Enterprise (EBE), Claude was keen to attend the first anniversary of Hauts Val & Co on November 4.
The celebration was held at MaMassane. It was quite symbolic. This community café-restaurant was created by Hauts Val & Co, along with the nearby community grocery store and concierge services offered to residents with convenient parcel delivery at Place d'Italie and to businesses in the Biopôle Euromédecine science park. Additional services include a bicycle repair shop and a mobile entertainment organization, among others.
Lots of stimulating activities that provide new services. Touda offers her expertise in sewing, dressmaking, and clothing alterations. “There is always work to do!", she says happily. Firdaousse, an accounting assistant for Hauts Val & Co and the association, shares her enthusiasm: “I got job training thanks to the EBE.”
The Montpellier-Grabels TZCLD program was indeed built on solid foundations. This was demonstrated at the regional TZCLD meeting, held in Montpellier on November 18 at Domaine de Grammont.
Co-organized with the TZCLD association and the Coorace association, which runs the “TZCLD Occitanie cluster,” this event was intended to review the certified projects in Occitanie, provide an overview of the ten years of experimentation with the program in France, and share best practices and inspiring experiences.
The first major impact observed: 4,000 jobs have been created across France thanks to TZCLD projects, and more than 6,000 people have found employment, according to Léonard Baudry, director of the Data Assessment Division at ETCLD. Not only that, but there are now more than 10,000 volunteers in France.
However, beyond just looking at balance sheets, it is also important to take into account the positive outside effects of these projects, as TZCLDs not only improve civic life in the areas that benefit from them, but they also help build a more united world. “The new jobs created contribute to the green transition and social cohesion,” highlighted Léonard Baudry.
The Montpellier-Grabels TZCLD is a good example of this, with Hauts Val & Co having the distinction of also having created a center for disability and inclusion.
“Nearly 50% of our EBE's staff are identified as disabled workers, compared to 23% nationally,” observed Victor Delescluse, director of Hauts Val & Co. Creating jobs and ensuring inclusive management...
Values are important at TZCLD Montpellier-Grabels.
A tool to combat long-term unemployment
According to figures from the Hérault Department, TZCLD Montpellier-Grabels has already helped 14 RSA recipients (social income support) get back on their feet. “Of these 14 people, ten no longer need to receive RSA benefits. The positive impact in terms of income support is significant,” noted Sylvie Pradelle, Vice President of the Hérault Departmental Council, responsible for Integration and the Social and Solidarity Economy, at the regional meeting on November 18.
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