Can the social model survive?

The Working Time Directive debate may finally come to a head in the European Union. Much of Europe, particularly France, wants Great Britain to opt-in to the directive, rather than its current opt-out position. The UK is the most influential country in Europe to not limit its work week to 48 hours as the WTD states.

I realize that Europe has a different work ethic and lifestyle than the United States. Yet it appears to be so much of the politics between the European nations that pushes this debate. Is it little wonder that it is France, who has the 35 hour work week, is pushing to bring the UK into the WTD? The British work more than the French and less than the Italian, according to the IHT article. Interesting? Yes.

Moreover, a representative at European Reform Centre said that the workaholics in business and the financial sector will continue to work overtime, regardless of salary. Such legislation is designed to protect workers for their health and to protect those who could be used for their labor and paid little. That may be true, but what about the people who want to work more hours in order to earn more money? It limits the poor as to how many hours they are able to work a week and must survive on it. These are the people who are more likely to be on hourly wages rather than yearly salaries as the business people will be. Salaries allow more flexibilty and security as job attendance is not tied to the limited amount of money available. If a family emergency occurs, then the business people often have the resources to take days off, knowing that money will arrive home and work can be done early or immediately after return. Hourly wages allow less flexibility for the workers who need the money from each hour that he or she works. Such policies need revision and more careful analysis.