In his letter, he told Mr. Jospin that because of the costs and the complexity of the current legislation, it would be ''practically impossible'' for companies to introduce the 35-hour week by the year 2000. He said the move would undermine company efficiency and competitiveness and would fail to create jobs. Proponents of legislation that would force a reduction of the working week argue that it will create more jobs because companies will have to hire more workers. They also argue that a 35-hour week will create better productivity among workers. Critics of the idea say that companies will not hire more workers to compensate for a shorter workweek, but will suffer increased labor costs because of the need to pay more overtime.
Most people accept that increased labor flexibility is needed to reduce unemployment.