France and Strike
In an editorial note the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” on Saturday wrote about Unions and strike in France. There is something about the international reputation of France related to strong Unions and employees fond of going on strike. Let's hold some facts against it: in measured days of strike France is amidst the average countries in Europe. Also the Unions in fact are not as strong as it may look like. Only 8% of employees are organized in Unions which is one of the lowest rates worldwide. The perception we get is formed by a higher percentage of employees in public services compared to the general industry being part of Unions who regularly manage to focus strikes on key parts of daily life as transportation or schools.
Additionally the mood of the population does seem to change. Unions try to mobilize people and fail. Actually President Sarkozy puts reforms in place without encountering too much resistance. People may have understood that in times of international competition change is necessary. Nevertheless there is pressure in the system with energy prices going up and only “la rentree”, the school start after the holidays in September which traditionally is the time for protests will show what the situation is like.
Posted at
07:58PM Jun 23, 2008
by Volker Seubert in Europe & Beyond |
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