France industrial unrest: Henri the Strike Engine

If you can, avoid France. In addition to oil refiners which has led to gasoline shortages, the rail workers have now gone on strike nine days before the Euro soccer tournament starts. Air Traffic controllers are also threatening and so are Air France pilots.

According to SNCF, the state rail company about 60% of high-speed trains and between a third and a half of other services are expected to run. High-speed services to the UK and Germany (Eurostar and Alleo) are said to be normal. Only one third of SVI services to Italy and 40% of Ellipsos services to Spain will run,

So what is the strike over? From the BBC news.

French labour reform bill – main points

• The 35-hour week remains in place, but as an average. Firms can negotiate with local trade unions on more or fewer hours from week to week, up to a maximum of 46 hours.

• Firms are given greater freedom to reduce pay.

• The law eases conditions for laying off workers, which is strongly regulated in France. It is hoped companies will take on more people if they know they can shed jobs in case of a downturn.

• Employers to get more leeway to negotiate holidays and special leave, such as maternity or for getting married. These are currently also heavily regulated.

Incredible.