On Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:36:38 +0000, David Rance wrote:

There was a short discussion here a few weeks ago about the fate of Le
Chameau boots. I happened to pass their factory, now closed down, last
week and took these photos which I thought would be of interest.



Thanks very much David, indeed of interest to us anyway. Very sad.

Those who know French labour politics a little will know that it isn't
just down to a deadbeat director, though no doubt that has played a huge
role here too. The Socialist government is currently trying to pass a
modest revision of labour laws that will (among a few other things) cap
employee indemnities to known values. This is a big issue for employers,
who can easily be ruined in court even for a sacking that has a very
valid reason, and prevents hiring, making many jobs "for life" and
favouring temporary contracts. Needless to say there are big protests,
the high school students are out in force even though the new law would
somewhat ease their ability to get permanent jobs in a climate where the
under 25s are facing 24% unemployment.

-E




--
Gardening in Lower Normandy