Free Republic

PARIS (AFP) - Hundreds of thousands of French people took part in demonstrations across the country to protest against government plans to reform the 35-hour work week. Organized by an alliance of trade-unions and backed by the opposition Socialist party (PS), more than half a million people took part in marches in 100 towns and cities -- with 90,000 joining the largest demonstration in Paris. Police put the overall figure at slightly more than 250,000. The protests came as a bill to enable private sector employees to opt for longer hours makes its way through parliament. The bill is expected...

Warning for Chirac on 35-hour work week By Philip Delves Broughton in Paris (Filed: 16/07/2004) French business leaders have criticised President Jacques Chirac yesterday for rejecting demands that he repeal the 35-hour working week. Ernest-Antoine Selliere, head of the main business federation, MEDEF, said: "The 35-hour work week is not just a slippery slope. It's a chute towards economic decline." He added: "To say we won't touch the law, it's non-negotiable, well, I just can't understand that." Hesitant: President Chirac In his annual Bastille Day television interview, Mr Chirac said he would try to loosen some restrictions in the law...