Abstract
In France, the restructuring of firms and plans for saving jobs (PSE) have a heavy impact on parties both in- and outside the firm. As a consequence, it is decisive to socially regulate them. Although the management of the processes and arrangements for following up on the dismissals foreseen in the plan is thought to be a key condition for “responsible restructuring”, there are many difficulties and contingencies with implementing it because of the context. Three recent studies of such plans shed light on the role played by the DDTEFP (Departmental Direction of Work, Employment and Occupational Training) as a third party in regulating PSEs — an important role that, at the interface with other concerned parties, provides authority and know-how so as to cause a change in the line-up of forces, the “collective actor” and the plan’s contents. Despite the administrative framework, the DDTEFP’s actions depend on the game that, played by other parties, develops (or not) within (and around) the plan and on the persons involved in the follow-up.