Posted on 02/09/2005 11:46:21 AM PST by NormsRevenge
PARIS (AP) - French lawmakers voted Wednesday to let workers stay on the job as many as 13 hours longer each week, a preliminary move that critics say will dismantle the nation's legally mandated 35-hour work week.
In a first reading, the lower house of parliament voted 370-180 to approve a proposal allowing private sector employees to work up to 48 hours each week - the European Union limit.
The measure now goes to the Senate for debate next month. President Jacques Chirac's conservatives, which are pushing for the changes, control both houses of parliament.
Supporters say the reform would lighten a burden for companies and state finances, and allow workers to earn more money.
Opponents say the measures would effectively destroy the shorter working week, one of the leading reforms of the Socialist government voted out of power in 2002.
The vote went ahead despite stalling tactics by the Socialist-led opposition in parliament and a public campaign against the bill. More than 300,000 people marched in towns across France on Saturday denouncing the proposal.
Wow. The French may be able to work overtime now?!? Won't make a lick of difference to their economy.
Hahahaha!!! Socialism is coming around to bite the Frenchies in the a$$.
I love it.
French workers will have to be more productive in order to provide more tax revenue so the social programs can take care of all of the Muslim immigrants who are colonizing France.
They deserve this, the arrogant bastards.
I dream of that. It would be like a vacation for me.
Also, rarely if ever mentioned in articles on this, in France it is ILLEGAL to work more than 35 hours a week except in very limited and specific exempted jobs.
of course like much of Europe they have that laissez-faire attitude and like the Scandinavians, think quality of life is so important you should not spend it working.....well, you reap what you sow.....now they are getting a clue that productivity and innovation actually might have some merit.....
French workers will have to be more productive in order to provide more tax revenue so the social programs can take care of all of the Muslim immigrants who are colonizing France.
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You got it!!! Isn't socialism beautiful..why these people may actually have to become PRODUCTIVE!!-- but fear not, socialism will take thier bucks.
It's Karl Rove's doing! /obvious sarc
I wonder what they are going to spend their time doing since their ecomomy is sucky right now,,,make more stuff for people not to buy?
Heck! All my brothers-in-law must be French! I doubt they work 35 hours in Two weeks!......Professionally un-employed!......
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Today: February 09, 2005 at 20:14:25 PST
PARIS (AP) - France's extended vacations and 35-hour work week have long been the target of critics who say the labor laws hamper economic growth. Now they could be falling by the wayside.
After heated debate, lawmakers approved a bill on Wednesday that would allow French employees to work more.
The lower house of parliament voted 370-180 on the measure that would permit private sector employees to work up to 48 hours each week - the European Union limit.
The measure now goes to the Senate for debate early next month and is expected to pass easily. President Jacques Chirac's conservatives, which are pushing for the changes, control both houses of parliament.
Supporters say the reform would lighten a burden for companies and state finances, and allow workers to earn more money. Chirac has criticized the 35-hour workweek as a "brake" on economic development and job creation.
The new measure would not formally dismantle the 35-hour workweek but would make it more flexible by giving private-sector workers the option of putting in more hours on a voluntary basis.
The shortened 35-hour workweek was put in place between 1998 and 2000 by the previous Socialist government which touted it as a social breakthrough. Opponents of the new measure contend that the shortened workweek would be effectively destroyed.
"Never since 1936 has a government intervened to prolong the time at work," said communist lawmaker Maxime Gremetz.
Leisure time is sacrosanct in France - workers get at least five weeks vacation a year plus 11 national holidays.
Lawmakers sparred over the plan during five days of debate. The vote went ahead despite stalling tactics by the Socialist-led opposition and a campaign of protests. More than 300,000 people marched in towns across France last Saturday to denounce the bill.
The Socialists had instigated the 35-hour workweek - down from 39 hours- as a means of reducing soaring unemployment. The idea was that companies would hire more employees to compensate. But France still has an unemployment rate near 10 percent.
The conservative government is predicting economic growth of 2.5 percent this year and says the 35-hour week is too much of a burden for companies, state finances and for workers who want to earn more.
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We share a common foe, it seems.
"Never since 1936 has a government intervened to prolong the time at work," said communist lawmaker Maxime Gremetz.
When Chirac is considered a Conservative, you have to wonder what they have over there?
I hear ya.. Chirac , a conservative.. they definitely live in a different world.
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