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The “CPE” (February-April 2006)

Useful words are in bold type.

A controversial French labour law has prompted nationwide protest by university and high school students and workers across France. More than 1m people went on strike and took to the streets to demonstrate against the unpopular First Employment Contract, or First Job Contract (CPE).

The First Employment Contract allows employers to fire workers under the age of 26 without cause in the first two years of employment.

The French government says this measure will help tackle youth unemployment, which is currently running at more than 20%.

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• There is a shortage of jobs/ a lack of opportunities for young people.
• Many firms say that French labour laws make it hard to lay off workers, so the CPE is an incentive for taking on staff.
• American workers can only dream of French labour laws, but American businesses shudder at them.