After the Auroux laws: Employers, industrial relations and the right in France

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Abstract
This article explores the roots of industrial relations policy under the French Fifth Republic. Challenged by radical unions, employers and the right formulated a common consensus‐minded response. While refusing face‐to‐face bargaining with radical unions in the work‐place, employers negotiated a network of national agreements to secure social peace and consensus. If employers came to accept company bargaining and workplace expression under the Auroux Laws, it was because under depressive market conditions they were able to dominate the new institutions. Despite commitment to de‐regulation Chirac has preserved the laws and urged the co‐operation of unions and management to achieve greater labour market flexibility.