The French have found another reason to grumble with a new high court ruling that the 35 hour working week is to be implemented in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels.
This could mean even lower pay for the junior staff of such establishments as well as even lower incomes for owners. Furthermore, the hospitality industry in France is already disappointed by two other factors just passed by law – the no-smoking ban in public places (how un-French!) and the failure to cut to a 5.5% vat.
The deal, which affects around 850,000 employees could see French income in this industry sink even lower. Now, overtime rates will have to be paid for extra hours worked, and owners will be forced to cut down on pay.
Andre Daguin of the Union of Hospitality Trades (UMIH) expressed his disbelief at the news:
“This is a unique situation because for the first time ever a union has actually acted to bring down the buying power of its members, especially those in small establishments who will see their pay cheques get smaller”
Supporters of the recent ruling however, believe that these new measures will actually create new jobs if followed properly.
