An Inclusive Litany

1/26/98

In a bid to create jobs and reduce unemployment, French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin announced a plan to shorten the work week to 35 hours from the current 39, with workers receiving the same pay as before.

The Ministry of Employment and Solidarity later conducted raids to determine current compliance with the 39-hour rule. Engineers and executives trying to conclude a key contract at the telecommunications firm Alcatel were surprised by ministry police who demanded to know why they were still working at 7 pm. Inspectors were also reported to have photographed license plates in company car parks and monitored personal computers to make sure that no work was being sneaked home.