German partners to control pensions

Agreement on the introduction of the 35-hour week in French hospitals seemed likely as Labour Research went to press.

Three unions, including one of the two main confederations, the CFDT, were expected to sign the agreement which involves taking on an additional 45,000 staff to cope with the introduction of the 35-hour week in public hospitals from 1 January 2002.

Unlike larger private sector firms, where the 35-hour week legislation has applied from 2000, the public sector has until the start of next year to agree arrangements on cutting working time. The new jobs represent a 5.7% increase on the 785,000 complement currently employed.

Not all the unions have accepted the proposal. One of those opposing it is the CGT, the other large union confederation, which is calling for a larger increase in staff. But the agreement seemed likely to be signed on 27 September as Labour Research went to press.

* French unions have been unanimous in condemning another government proposal, easing the introduction of the 35-hour week for smaller companies. Companies with fewer than 20 employees, who also have to introduce a 35-hour week from January 2002, have complained about a shortage of staff.

Under new government plans the limit on the amount of overtime that can legally be worked in these smaller companies is to be raised from 130 hours a year to 180, falling to 160 in 2003. The CFDT said that this would increase further "the divide between large and small companies".