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Welfare state is in a skid

Globalization and the world economic crisis are putting pressure on the social welfare system in countries like France, where workers and unions — like those at the Renault car manufacturing plant — are starting to make pay and benefit concessions as well as face furloughs and potential layoffs.

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Jan. 28, 2011

Clouds roll over the shores in Le Havre, France. The car manufacturer Renault is one of the major employers in the area and possibly one of the most vulnerable as the economic crisis and globalization hits France. In December, the company furloughed employees for 70 days because of lower demand for cars.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

The early shift begins at 6:00 a.m. at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France. In December 2010, workers were put on a 70-day furlough after production fell. Recently the unions representing workers have made pay and benefit concessions as the socialist country deals with globalization and the economic crisis.

Jan. 28, 2011

The early shift begins at 6:00 a.m. at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France. In December 2010, workers were put on a 70-day furlough after production fell. Recently the unions representing workers have made pay and benefit concessions as the socialist country deals with globalization and the economic crisis.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

Workers arrive at 6:00 a.m. for their shift at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France.

Jan. 28, 2011

Workers arrive at 6:00 a.m. for their shift at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

Workers leave the Renault plant in Sandouville, France.

Jan. 28, 2011

Workers leave the Renault plant in Sandouville, France.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

English professor Dominique Smith teaches second year students at the University of Le Havre. As the country deals with the economic crisis and globalization, it also announced reforms to education. From now on, one teacher will be hired for every two that retire.

Jan. 28, 2011

English professor Dominique Smith teaches second year students at the University of Le Havre. As the country deals with the economic crisis and globalization, it also announced reforms to education. From now on, one teacher will be hired for every two that retire.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

Renault worker Florian Andre, age 50, ponders his future at the car manufacturing plant near his home in Le Havre.

Jan. 28, 2011

Renault worker Florian Andre, age 50, ponders his future at the car manufacturing plant near his home in Le Havre.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

Florian Andre ponders his future at the Renault plant.

Jan. 28, 2011

Florian Andre ponders his future at the Renault plant.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

An electricity plant spews steam into the cloudy skies over the port area Le Havre. Energy is one of the more stable forms of employment in the area as the country adjusts to globalization and the economic crisis.

Jan. 28, 2011

An electricity plant spews steam into the cloudy skies over the port area Le Havre. Energy is one of the more stable forms of employment in the area as the country adjusts to globalization and the economic crisis.

Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

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