牽手和分手來自同一雙手

The law creating the First Employment Contract (Contrat Premiere Embauche or CPE) was passed by parliament as part of a broader bill on equal opportunities. 

It became law on 2 April, but President Jacques Chirac pledged that it would be amended and the government asked employers not to apply it immediately. 

The CPE is a new work contract for under-26s with a two-year trial period. In that period, employers can terminate the contract without having to offer an explanation. 

After the two-year trial period for under-26s, the CPE reverts to a standard full-time contract. 

In a televised address to the nation on 31 March, President Chirac said he was asking the government to modify the CPE, to reduce the trial period to one year and oblige employers to state their reason for any dismissal. 

Q. Why was it introduced? 
President Chirac and the government of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin say it is a way to get more people into work, as they seek to tackle France's high unemployment rates and stagnant labour market.

France has one of Europe's highest youth unemployment rates. More than 20% of its 18 to 25-year-olds are unemployed - double the national average of 9.6%. 

Q. Are these street protests connected to last year's riots? 

Between one and three million protesters marched through French cities on 28 March, demonstrating against the CPE. Many of them were students or graduates - unlike the youths who rioted in deprived French suburbs in October-November 2005. 

Racial discrimination and a lack of job opportunities were blamed for last year's riots in France's poorest urban communities.

The government says the new law will help jobless youngsters in those areas, where youth unemployment can reach 40%. 

Q. What are the arguments for and against? 

The government argues the measure will boost opportunities for young workers, many of whom can only find short-term contract work at best. 

Some employers say they are reluctant to take on new staff because of the difficulties of firing them if they prove unsuitable or are no longer needed. 

However, critics warn the new legislation could make it even harder for young people to find a permanent job, and it could be misused by larger employers.



ref:] BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4816306.stm