MANICHAEAN
07-23-2010, 01:28 PM
In France the incremental entrenchments of new rights in law, as a mark of what the government there regards as a mark of progress towards a better society dates back to just after the First World War. In 1919 the Senate limited the working day to eight hours. Leon Blum introduced the two-week paid holiday for all workers in 1936. Francois Mitterand extended this to 5 weeks in the early 1980's. He also brought in retirement at 60 and the 39 hour working week. Ms Aubry, only ten years ago, reduced that to 35.
By progressively shrinking the number of hours worked a week, or years over a lifetime, French society seemed to be rolling towards some tribe of lotus eaters, with vin rose and deckchairs on the beach for all! Even President Sarkozy asked economists to measure output in terms of happiness, not just growth.
Put simply, if France (and indeed Europe) stands for something, it is decent treatment for all. Its almost as if a national guarantee of a comfortable retirement is on a par with not sending children down the mine, or giving women the vote: not optional perks, but badges of a "civilised" society. Europe may no longer be a global power, or have much military muscle. It may not have much cutting edge innovation or economic growth. But it knows how to look after its sick and elderly, take a long lunch break and basically close down all non essential work for the month of August & bugger off to the Med flesh pots.
The realisation that time is up has finally arrived with the euro zone crisis, and that has prompted either denial or the cold shock of reality. Until now, much of Europe had chosen to put its "values" before growth. In reality, the 35 hour working week in France was not a mark of progress, but a break in job creation; the French may have more time on their hands, but they have little money to do anything with it.
By progressively shrinking the number of hours worked a week, or years over a lifetime, French society seemed to be rolling towards some tribe of lotus eaters, with vin rose and deckchairs on the beach for all! Even President Sarkozy asked economists to measure output in terms of happiness, not just growth.
Put simply, if France (and indeed Europe) stands for something, it is decent treatment for all. Its almost as if a national guarantee of a comfortable retirement is on a par with not sending children down the mine, or giving women the vote: not optional perks, but badges of a "civilised" society. Europe may no longer be a global power, or have much military muscle. It may not have much cutting edge innovation or economic growth. But it knows how to look after its sick and elderly, take a long lunch break and basically close down all non essential work for the month of August & bugger off to the Med flesh pots.
The realisation that time is up has finally arrived with the euro zone crisis, and that has prompted either denial or the cold shock of reality. Until now, much of Europe had chosen to put its "values" before growth. In reality, the 35 hour working week in France was not a mark of progress, but a break in job creation; the French may have more time on their hands, but they have little money to do anything with it.