Great Moments in Socialism...

Well, it looks like France is re-valuating its mandated 35-hour work week. "Black" Jacques Chirac is actually quoted as referring to the 35-hour workweek as a "brake" on economic development and job creation. Gee, Jacques. Do ya really THINK so?

According to the attached article, France's lower house of parliament voted 370-180 on the measure that would permit private sector employees to work up to 48 hours each week, which is the maximum permitted by the European Union. Maybe some folks over there will actually take the initiative and work a little longer to earn more? Nah, the more they work, the more the govt. takes. No incentive there. Oh well.

The shiftless, lazy Socialists/Communists are up in arms:

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 maximum Gremetz. Leisure time is sacrosanct in France - workers get at least five weeks vacation a year plus 11 national holidays.

It's called Free-Market Capitalism, chief, you should try it. Maybe then France wouldn't have an unemployment rate near 10%, almost double that of the U.S. And those that do work, lose half their paycheck to Uncle Jacques. What must it be like to have five-plus weeks of vacation time every year and not be able to afford to go anywhere - except to the neighboring broken down European country?

Link: France May Nix 35-Hour Work Week

Posted by: Gary at 11:57 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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