Although France passed a law several years ago mandating a 35 hour maximum work week the country discovered it is impossible to pass legislation overturning the laws of economics. Plagued with stubbornly high unemployment (over 10%), falling wages and —— surprise, surprise —— unwillingness of other countries to invest in France because of this law, and discovering —— still more surprise and shock —— that the 35 hour work week hurt the poorest the most, because they couldn't live on their meager salaries without the now forbidden overtime —— France has dropped the law.
 
The French will probably blame the United States for the failure of the 35 hour work week.  And for the fact that their pampered citizens will now work 39 hours per week. 
 
Good.

Ethel C. Fenig   3 22 05