Despite Protests, France Approves New Labor Law

[MODU]

It's a positive step for France.  They still have a long way to go.

[MODU]

I don't like it because it's discriminatory against those under 26. That said, I doubt I'd like it even if it wasn't. Employees should have rights and employers have obligations

Dave

But does an employer have an obligation to an employee who is not doing his/her job properly?

What you seem to support sounds like a general system of tenure, whereby it requires employers to spend huge amounts in legal fees to get rid of unproductive employees.

I'm surprised to see you take such a stand.

I agree.  Companies should have just as much of a right to fire someone who isn't performing as employees have a right to find work.

[MODU]

Still, I oppose this because it differentiates those under 26 from others

Dave

I agree on that point, which is why I said this was a step in the right direction.  I'm not sure what kind of culture shock France would undergo if the 26 year old line was not a part of the bill . . . stating that a company can fire anyone with due cause.

[MODU]

France is now scrapping the law:

"France to scrap youth jobs law"

The French government has scrapped a controversial youth job law, bowing to weeks of million-strong protests with a change of heart likely to further undermine the image of the country's embattled Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Students and trades unions claimed victory after President Jacques Chirac announced the decision on Monday, but said they would remain mobilized until a substitute law was ratified.

De Villepin made an address on national television to express regret over the failure of the law that would have made it easier to hire and fire workers under the age of 26.

He announced that new measures in were being presented to parliament, a move welcomed by protesters

(Cont...)