French Trade Unions

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how France is notable as a nation because it is a capitalist, democratic nation with a strong history and tradition of trade unionism. It attempts to analyze how the idealistic philosophy that was so influential in defending the rights of individual French workers has since become anachronistic and how, today, the unions themselves, rather than acting as advocates have become bureaucratic organizations with their own political and economic interests; they also represent outdated advocates of an economic philosophy that is inappropriate to the modern nation of France and the world economy today. It also shows how the impact of trade unionism has had a negative effect on French tourism and the ability of the French economy to respond flexibly to the needs of a changing global economy.

From the Paper:

"During the strike, the French subway system and virtually all forms of accessible public transport were paralyzed. The result nearly jeopardized France's ability to become integrated into the European Union. Images of famously fashion-conscious French women wearing sneakers, walking to work were disseminated around the world as a kind of ironic visual commentary upon the proceedings. ("Culture France," Lonely Planet Guide) In 2001, when the Euro was first introduced, the introduction of the new currency was met with calls for a nation-wide bank strike rather than a debate about the issue. (Henley, "French Unions Cash in on Euro Launch," The Guardian, 2001) What efficacy could an internal strike have upon a global issue, one might ask? However, striking rather than debate and negotiation has become the knee-jerk response of the unions to almost all issues."

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• Essay # 51919 : "The Influence of Trade Unions in France"
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• Analytical Essay # 149070 : "Georges Clemenceau: Defeating the Defeatists"

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