35 hours-week was set up during a time of (worldwide) growth and massive improvement of the unemployment rate. Discussing real effects of that law is doomed to

35 hours-week was set up during a time of (worldwide) growth and massive improvement of the unemployment rate. Discussing real effects of that law is doomed to an endless debate and heated arguments :) Some facts : - French are some of the most productive people in the world. - Implementation of the law differs from company to company (35 hours, or additional day-off, or paid overtime). - It's not uncommon for people to work longer unpaid hours. - Salaries have stagnated (well, except for upper management and CEOs), which you can pin partly on that law. - Unemployment is currently at an all time high, but it affects most of Europe.