US CEO calls French lazy union workers who talk too much.

[G8trGr8t]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

A lot of this comes down to worn generalizations, though. The "hard-working Germans" work less on average than the French.

you have to define "work". easier to discuss productivity. I can work 40 and get more done than some that work 60. germans are much more productive due to efficiency, german unions do not fight against efficiency even if it results in less jobs. most other unions rebel against efficiency as it generally results in some form of job loss from current levels

[brainstorm]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

A lot of this comes down to worn generalizations, though. The "hard-working Germans" work less on average than the French.

German productivity >>>> French productivity.

Bear in mind the program by the German government introduced in 2009 that allowed companies to cut work weeks for employees, as opposed to firing them, in exchange for the government’s pledge to cover remaining wages. This obviously had an impact on hours/person in Germany.

Another factor - the number of hours worked per week only refer to those who actually had a job. Unemployment was much higher in France over the last few years:

http://www.bls.gov/fls/intl_unemploy...ly.htm#Rtable1

The French stereotype seems earned.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Originally Posted by brainstorm

German productivity >>>> French productivity.

Quantify, please. Again, we're talking mainly in generalizations.

[brainstorm]

I provided some "quantity" in the paragraph below my generalization.

Germans have an outstanding reputation for work ethic and production. The French do not. Data backs that up.

[northgagator]

Originally Posted by ThePlayer

Americans work 8-hour days, 5 days a week...unlike the French, who only work 3 hours per day.

At this time I consider 8-hour days, 5 days a week a vacation. I am currently working on a team that is starting year two of a three year project. We are doing a total replacement on a financial system for a Fortune 100 Company.
Since last October it has been 55+ hours Monday thru Friday and an addition 8 to 16?hours on weekends. If this project were done on France it would take six or seven years to complete.