A Time of Troubles and Protest

More than 2.5 workers throughout France rallied behind a one-day strike, urging the government to protect jobs and wages. But as slumping sales and global recession have closed factories, policies and protests fail to address severe inequality that leaves some workers with secure jobs and benefits and many others, particularly among the young, without. In France, the government has focused on protecting some key industries, including the auto industry, explains this article in the Economist. Some citizens express anger that the government finds money to shore up failing banks, but not to raise wages. Citizens urge government action, and yet protection for some industries or workers can inhibit innovation and job creation. – YaleGlobal