French PM Chirac backs down, scraps CPE workers contract

London (Platts)--10Apr2006

French President Jacques Chirac scrapped Monday the proposed CPE workers
contract law that brought millions to the streets in protest on March 28 and
April 4 as well as strikes by energy and transport workers. The president has
decided to replace the law with "a job insertion program for young people in
difficulty." Chirac's decision followed continued protests by students who
feared the law, designed to lower unemployment by making it easier to fire
young workers, would increase the instability of employment for young people
in France.
French strikes against the CPE workers contract on April 4 cut power
output by 3,510 MW, CGT union spokesman Maurice Marion said. An Electricite De
France spokeswoman said a total of 2,600 MW had been cut at EDF's plants and
10.2% of its staff were on strike.


 

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