Less than 8% of French workers belong to a labor union, which is significantly below Britain (26%), Germany (18%) and America (11%). French law enables unions to have tight controls over how private companies are run on a daily basis. Elected union delegates represent all employees, union members or not, in firms with over 50 staff on both works councils and separate health-and-safety councils. Opponents of France’s unions laws restrict job growth since many private companies hire less than 50 employees to avoid giving unions powers including the placement of office furniture. Proponents believe unions give workers a collective voice that is necessary to negotiate pay and worker safety.
51% Help |
49% Hurt |
34% Help |
44% Hurt |
10% Help, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited |
5% Hurt, I support some private unions but am strongly against public unions |
7% Help, but ban their ability to make political donations |
See how support for each position on “Labor Unions” has changed over time for 36.5k France voters.
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See how importance of “Labor Unions” has changed over time for 36.5k France voters.
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Unique answers from France users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
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