[ohioWfan]

From what I gathered, the students are rioting because of BETTER job opportunities for them?

Is that the gist of it?

And we are supposed to try to be more like THEM??

(Has anyone gotten Frenchie Kerry's take on this?

[wayoverontheright]

It finally dawned on the French that because of legal protections, it has been near impossible for any French employer to fire anyone. DeVillepin's proposal was to remove some of these legal impediments, such that employers would feel free to hire, so yes, the French are actually rioting over a measure which would tend to HELP employment.

[texianyankee]

Dont forget what Paul Krugman wrote about them, as well!

[Conservative Canuck]

They're protesting a measure which would allow employers to fire young workers within two years of hiring them. Sheesh.

[billbears]

The main aspect of the bill that the protestors are upset about is the first two years of the job. Apparently the bill states that an employer can fire an employee under 26 years old during his/her first two years on the job without explanation.

They better get this cleaned up PDQ. I'm planning on going to Paris on vacation at the end of May :)

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

They are upset because under current French law it is all but impossible to discharge an employee. Under the new law, an employer may discharge an employee during the first two years after which time they have the same protections as currently. As someone pointed out this is a revolt by the upper middle class (only about 6% of French attend university) against any infringement on their privileges.