French Unions: Myths & Realities

In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, Band 55, Heft 3, S. 11-15

Abstract

Discusses developments in the French labor movement in light of President Nicolas Sarkozy's expressed desire to strengthen unions. After noting that the French labor movement is one of the weakest in Europe by virtue of low membership & calling its fragmentation "legendary," why it has been, nonetheless, so effective is addressed, highlighting strong public support for strike action & high strike levels. Brief attention is given to the symbiotic state-union relationship, indicating that Sarkozy's actions are driven by the state's subtle dependence on unions. Adapted from the source document.