Archive for the ‘people’ Category

656 000 staff in ten years

Posted in Uncategorized, money, online, people, world by admin on September 1st, 2010 | Comments Off

For the first time since 1980, the number of three public (state, territorial and hospital) have stagnated in France in 2008. Specifically, they rose only 1800postes. From never-seen since 1980. At 31 December 2008, according to report data annually on the Public Service published yesterday, the Hexagon were almost 5.3 million employees, or 20.5% of total employment, and 656,000 more than a decade ago.

The virtual stagnation of 2008 is largely to the credit of the state civil service has continued to decrease in population from 2006. It has eliminated 77,000 jobs last year, including through non-replacement of a staff of two who retire and to continue the policy of transfer of powers to local authorities. This represents a decline of 3.1% of its workforce in a year.France, employs 2.4 million civil servants, 69.5% and 14.1% of holders of soldiers. This total is 1.4% lower than in 1998, representing a decline of nearly 35,000 agents in a decade.

The numbers have declined in 2008 across all departments, with the exception of Justice and the prime minister. The portfolios of Education and Ecology have been most affected by the cuts with cuts respective 43,000 and 23,000 agents. Finally, almost a two-state official now works in education, one in five of Defense and Interior to eleven.

2328euros per month for a state agent

Another finding of the report 2009-2010 on the state of the public service: local authorities have continued to recruit with a vengeance with nearly 70,000 new jobs in 2008.The local civil service now employs 1.82 million people. A total of 3.9% higher than in 2008 and, especially, a surge of 40% compared to 1998. This dramatic increase is partly related to the second law of decentralization occurred in 2003. The regions – which employs only 4% of all local officials – have been particularly intensive public sector jobs as they saw their numbers jump over a decade, from 22.5% on average each year and even 49% per year since 2005. In more than one in four cases, recruitment occurred three years prior to 2008 had nothing to do with transfer of responsibilities from the State.

The public hospital has, meanwhile, was more reasonable since the increase of its workforce in 2008 was four times lower than that of local authorities: 1% over one year or more 10000agents.At December 31, staff of public hospitals accounted for approximately 1 million people. Those numbers have increased, on average ten years, 1.8% each year.

Pay later, an officer of the state received an average of 2328 euros net per month in 2008. An increase of 3.7% in current euros a year and 0.9% after allowing for inflation. Territorial Agent earned nearly 600 euros less and a hospital, 150. In both cases, the territorial and hospital officials have seen their wages decline in net income a year, by 0.6% and 0.1% in constant euros.

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Gay employees paid less

Posted in finance, money, people, top news, world by admin on August 22nd, 2010 | Comments Off

Wage discrimination between men and women has been the subject of numerous reports. That between heterosexuals and homosexuals had never been studied. Until today. Two economists from the University of Evry have considered this matter and found a gap of 6.5% on average in the private sector and 5.5% year on public Liberation reported Saturday. A result based on a sample of 904 cases.

This difference was found "all things being equal", the newspaper said, that is to say, qualifications and duties equal, in businesses of similar size, etc.. "After dismissing all the biases that could distort the results, we arrive at a pay gap is said unexplained", explains Thierry Laurent, co-authored the study with Ferhat Mihoubi. Only males are affected by this discrimination. The lesbians do not suffer any apparent loss of wages "unexplained".

This discrimination does not affect all gays with the same force. The less educated and the young could be less discriminated against, while the widening gap with the qualifications and experience. As a percentage of the "visibility" of an employee within the company, analyze the two economists. The young staff are more secure, with little "visible" for competitive examination.

"Marriage premium"

The results of the study are close to the observed differences in wages abroad, but it must include "marriage premium" observed in France. A married man will win because on average 4% more than a single. Homosexuals can not have access to marriage, they are doubly penalized.In the U.S., according to a study published in October 2007 and based on the study of 91,000 cases, a gay employee earns an average 23% less than heterosexual married counterparts.

In France, these wage differentials are explained, the two authors argue, by homophobia. "A CSA poll conducted in March 2009, said Liberation, revealed that 28% of private sector employees do not feel" very comfortable "with the fact that their colleague is gay.

Garden party: caterers minimize cancellations

Posted in business, economics, money, online, people by admin on July 3rd, 2010 | Comments Off

The garden party at the Elysee was it canceled too late? The caterers will they be reimbursed? Taxpayers will pay the note they? After the announcement of the cancellation of approvals under the Ministries of Interior, Overseas, in the prefectures and sub-prefectures, these issues are on everyone's lips. Especially since the member Rene Dosière (related PS) spoke for the receipt of an invoice 313 618 2009 euros. The debate, then fed by Ségolène Royal in an interview with the Nouvel Observateur, however, is minimized by the main actors of the case.

"There was no cancellation in the legal sense. These are the tenders that have been canceled. Today, nobody can say 'I lost the case, because no one had been chosen "slice Lars Bernard, vice president of Synhorcat, a leading professional trade."So there is no impact because in this profession, we do not prepare anything in advance. A caterer is not Picard, irritated the union representative.

Same story on the side of the Elysee usual caterers. "We were still at the stage of tendering. We filed our application and we expect the answer. We have therefore incurred no expenses, "said Francois Raynier, owner of upscale catering Raynier Marchetti, who denies the passage strengthened its team of 150 people in anticipation of the Garden Party. "150 is our average size," says he.

"From homemade

The prefecture also announced that the cancellations last minute should incur any costs because the buffets are mostly prepared in-house. "We use the kitchen of the prefecture," says one in Rennes.In the Sarthe, everything is "homemade" due to "credit limit". The few jurisdictions involving caterers explain – as is the case in Mayenne – they were still "at the stage estimates.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, the services of the prefecture are in this case state spending "very minimal" to "a few hundred euros": "We're pooling with the city of Nice and the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes limit spending from outside caterers, "says a spokeswoman.

Flexibility

Even if there had been a contract between two parties, there is no fixed schedule for repayment in the profession, making negotiations on a case by case basis between the provider and client paydayloan. "It's the law of business but we always find common ground," says Bernard Bras.In case of cancellation, the situation remains manageable, "he assures," It is a profession without visibility. Sometimes some customers confirm the case only 3-4 days before the big day We are accustomed to this kind of situation. "

At the forefront of the controversy, the food critics temper this speech. According to them, traders are well advised not to claim compensation for the expected win lucrative contracts in the future. "It's flattering to prepare the buffet or the Elysee Matignon is a commercial asset, an honor, a good card," says Claude Lebey, editor and author of restaurant guides.

Rebound

The representative of Synhorcat still regrets the loss of activity represented by these cancellations. "We are talking thousands of hours of work.For the Elysee, the decision could also have been taken earlier this year when the budget is fixed ….

For the future, the profession remains optimistic. The idea of a snowball effect of cancellations is scanned. "On the corporate side, which represent nearly 80% of our business, we see a rather significant recovery from last year," says Lars Bernard. "These are not exceptional receptions for when the box is bad, do not 'do too much peter cap'. But when there is a quick turnaround, we must celebrate. This is happening today. " The other big market traders – that of individuals – is also on the mend: "over time, we notice that people continue to celebrate events," notes vice president of Synhorcat. The public sector, the smallest of openings, should be the one to be hit hard.

"End 2008-2009, business has plummeted because of last minute cancellations of contracts. In the worst of the crisis, some professionals have lost 40% activity, ensures Lars Bernard. 2010 is therefore a year of healing. Regarding cancellations, we are entitled to think that this will not be like that all year. "

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Compensation: BP promises nothing

Posted in Uncategorized, opinions, people, publications, top news by admin on June 16th, 2010 | Comments Off

The tone rises between the administration of Barack Obama and BP. The head of the American branch of the oil company, Lamar McKay, said Tuesday at a hearing in Congress, he refused to promise the creation of an escrow account to compensate victims of oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico. The $ 20 billion has been raised in a letter to the CEO of BP, Tony Hayward. "I am not able to tell if an account is established or not," said Lamar McKay. "I can not commit, either one way or the other"

The idea had been raised by the White House. Several members of Congress while announcing their desire to put pressure on BP to put it in receivership on payment of its dividend in order to ensure compensation for victims of the disaster, compared to a "September 11th green" by Barack Obama.

According to the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, is already preparing the risposta in the Oval Office. Barack Obama will "be forced either to reach an agreement with BP to withdraw their control of the process of claims and entrusted to an independent structure, so that people who have been harmed to obtain the money they is due, "said the spokesman. The administration is based on the polluter pays law in force in the United States, which requires BP to pay the costs of plugging the leak of oil, cleaning the polluted coastline and compensation for victims.Traveling in Pensacola Beach, Florida, Bush assured the residents affected by the oil spill that would "whatever it takes, as long as it takes to be sure that BP is paying for the damage that it has caused.

An oration

President Barack Obama has formally addressed his countrymen on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. (2:00 am, Paris time). He will be speaking from the Oval Office of the White House, space reserved for the most serious crises and whom he'd never used a speech to the nation.

A senior, Bush will announce the appointment of a person responsible for restoring long-term disaster areas by the oil spill that pollutes the Gulf of Mexico. The "czar" as the press dubbed the American mission will be to "restore the Gulf of Mexico.Not to where it was the day when the accident occurred. But to restore it to where it was years ago: to increase the life and vitality of the species, wildlife and natural beauty that characterizes the Gulf of Mexico, "said Robert Gibbs.

Barack Obama will set out above "the need to reduce our dependence vis-a-vis oil and fossil fuels" No faxing 1 hour payday loans. He will also discuss the "changes necessary for such a disaster never happens again more. According to an anonymous source, the U.S. president will "present the measures taken to protect those who suffer financially from this disaster, especially during the process of compensation."

"The tragedy was avoidable

Under pressure, BP must also face competition that dares to push it."I am convinced that the independent investigation will show that this tragedy was preventable," and called John Watson, head of oil company Chevron to members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce House of Representatives. The explosion and the sinking of the platform in late April Deepwater Horizon "show once again that all companies must work under the same strict safety and reliability. It is obvious that not following these rules has serious consequences, "he added.

"It is imperative that an investigation expert, impartial and comprehensive investigation takes place, because this incident represents a serious breach of standards relating to offshore drilling, for his part stressed the boss of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson .

In addition to the Chevron boss and ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Shell were present. Facing them, Lamar McKay attempted to defend his group."I want to make things clear: BP will know no rest until the wells will not be under control and that we do not understand what happened," he said.

Ficth puts his two cents

BP has several weeks to manage its bad reputation. The group would also relies on advisers to help him. The efforts required will be considerable, especially since the rating agency Fitch has come to contribute to the debate on Tuesday, lowering the notches of six notes of the British major. The latter is now BBB AA cons. Fitch maintains it under "surveillance implications". The rating agency is particularly concerned that BP may be forced by U.S. authorities to place large sums into accounts in receivership.This is the first time that the note of BP is lowered several notches by the three leading rating agencies worldwide and it falls below the AA.

At the London Stock Exchange, BP shares ended the session on a further drop of 3.78% to 342 pence while the FTSE close up on 0.30%. In New York, the action is able to earn 2.18% to 31.31 dollars during the session on a market up 1.22%.

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Russian Avtovaz plans to be profitable this year

Posted in money, online, people, resources, technology by admin on June 14th, 2010 | Comments Off

After a nightmarish year 2009, the first Russian manufacturer, in which Renault owns 25%, his head out of water. While it had reduced its production by three last year to adapt to the collapse of the Russian market, the manufacturer of the Lada is now the biggest beneficiary of the scrappage of about 1300 euro launched its domestic market in early March. "80% of cars sold through this device are Ladas," says Igor Komarov, CEO of Avtovaz, appointed last summer. And 10% are assembled by Renault Logan in Moscow.

Result, sales of Avtovaz jumped 62% in May An upturn that could allow him to make a profit this year after a loss of one billion euros last year. "We must produce more than 450,000 vehicles (cons 300,000 in 2009) to generate an operating profit.While that seemed unrealistic at the beginning of the year, we now see pre exceed this threshold in 2010, "said Igor Komarov.

This adjustment is also allowed by drastically lowering costs. Russian has reduced its workforce last year to 30,000 people on 102 000. A job that required "the support of the state," said Igor Komarov. Some social activities of the group inherited from the Soviet era (nurseries, hospitals, nursing homes) has been transferred to the municipality of Togliatti. According to Renault, only a Russian could carry out this mission.This explains the departure of former French boss Avtovaz, last summer.

Five models assembled on the platform Logan

Avtovaz, Renault and Nissan aim to ally his term 40% of Russian market against 38.7% through May, in a context where the market share of Lada models obsolete, had significantly eroded by the crisis for the foreign brands. To achieve this, Renault must succeed in modernizing the plant of the former Soviet dinosaur. The French account to produce five new models on the platform of the Logan from 2012. Two Lada (station wagon and van versions), a Nissan and Renaults. A new small cheap Lada will also be constructed from the end of 2011.

Another priority: "Deliver upgrade local suppliers, in terms of cost and quality," said Christian Esteve, CEO of Renault in Russia.His goal is to move to Renault vehicles produced in Togliatti, 74% of local components in 2012, against 40% currently in its Moscow factory. To encourage suppliers to locate in western Russia and protect the development of local players, the group campaigning for the introduction of tariffs on imports of components.

The manufacturer has escaped bankruptcy last year, with help from the Kremlin about 1.7 billion euros, which allowed him to restructure its debt and cover its liquidity needs. Renault was able to maintain its share in the Russian capital without paying money, thanks to technology transfers valued at 240 million euros. According to Renault, the Russian market could reach 4 million cars in 2015-2016, which would make it the largest European market.

Apple should make its 4G iPhone next Monday

Posted in Uncategorized, economic, people, technology, top news by admin on June 7th, 2010 | Comments Off

The surprises have always been the marketing muscle of Apple. But the presentation of the iPhone could turn to four non-event. This Monday, June 7, at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Steve Jobs is expected to formally present the new version of its iPhone. A difficult task since the surprise had been nipped in the bud by Gizmodo, a blog specializing in the area. The latter was obtained for a fee, a version of the last device that was lost in a bar, then had completely husked, literally as figuratively. Result: Apple expected to miss elements of surprise in his presentation.

At this conference, Steve Jobs should focus on news and updates available for this new iPhone.But then again, few surprises in the program: the company had already submitted the software that will be applied to the iPhone 4 as she presented the platform iad, allowing Apple to develop the market for advertising applications.

According to analysts, a real surprise could come from the announcement of an extension of the exclusive sales of the iPhone to Verizon. So far, only AT & T can sell the unit on the U.S. market. But again, the mere announcement of talks with Verizon would not be a revelation: more rumors, sometimes belied by the operator to move the subject on the canvas for several weeks.

The product's most profitable brand

Although there is hardly any surprise about the iPhone 4, Apple knows that this presentation could take effect with the customer.The iPhone remains an undeniable success for the brand and the popularity continues unabated since its launch in 2007. In the first quarter, Apple said it had passed 8.7 million iPhones, representing a sales growth of 131% over a year.

The turnover of the phone is 5.4 billion dollars against 3.76 billion to $ 1.3 billion for Mac and iPod. The widening gap so quickly that observers now expects a gross margin of between 50% and 60% for iPhone cons 20-30% for Mac. In other words, the iPhone product line will be more profitable for Apple.

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The indebtedness peaked with the crisis

Posted in economics, international, life, news, people by admin on April 27th, 2010 | Comments Off

The National Assembly must decide on Tuesday on the bill to regulate the consumer credit. The text, which has already been approved by the Senate must pass the difficult balance between maintaining economic activity supported in part by the credit and the necessary protection of indebted households.

The number of cases filed with the commission of indebtedness that is constantly increasing. A phenomenon considered especially worrisome by the Bank of France that the population affected by the debt overhang is not the same. When creating the indebtedness committee with the law Neiertz 1989, he was helping people who had not managed their budgets: the syndrome of fever buyer where people were abusing the loan to purchase a 4X4 or high-tech products.But since the late 1990s, a new category of people are facing the problem of indebtedness, with the emergence of "new poor", that is to say who, though having a job, fail longer pay the bills of electricity or gas. And the crisis has accentuated the trend by multiplying the number of "accidents of life, including the number of households affected by unemployment, low rates payday advance. Since 2008, the Bank of France notes an increase in cases of indebtedness of approximately 16% per year.

The latest statistics released by the agency confirm this movement. 19,380 cases have been filed with the commission in February 2010. 20.5% higher than the previous month.

The Bank, however states that one should not jump to conclusions, due to some seasonality.The first months of the year are in fact traditionally the stigma of Christmas. A phenomenon in which the new text may perhaps act. It provides for a doubling of the period of withdrawal of clients (14 days instead of 7), the obligation of loyalty card stores offered an option "cash" or a limitation of revolving credit and advertising. The banks and specialized agencies should then put more emphasis on the commitment that is a credit on the ease of obtaining money.

Retirement: a track to skirt the issue of age

Posted in Uncategorized, economics, economy, news, people by admin on April 26th, 2010 | Comments Off

Should he do so without saying? The government raises the question about raising the legal age of retirement. Introduced in 1983, the possibility of a pension at age 60 is an "acquired" intangible to the unions – will undoubtedly touch inflate the number of events already planned. But the past work of the Board of Retirement Guidance (NRC) also show that this solution would be financially much more efficient in the short and medium term of a longer contribution period, this second option had significant effects that 'from 2020 at best.

Therefore, the temptation is great to work around the problem: give everyone the opportunity to leave at 60 if he wishes, but to dissuade the maximum. For this, the pension of a person choosing to leave "early" (before 62 or 63 years, for example) could be amputated, even if it has "all quarters."The track appeared there more than a month in the NRC documents, referring to examples of U.S., Japanese and German. It went almost unnoticed, except in the eyes of government officials who are working on pensions.

"The executive Ponder on it," admits one of the main actors of the file. "It's part of the range of possibilities," says a corporate source, emphasizing that nothing is decided. "I was cooking around that idea," says a union leader. Who speaks the same orders of magnitude, "a discount of 1.25% per quarter or 2.5% below the target age.In other words, for the same number of quarters validated, the person who would liquidate his pension at age 60 would incur a penalty of 10% to 20% compared to that which would prolong his career until age 62 – if the government set the example age objective payday loans.

A more complicated

The assumption is even less absurd than 22% maximum discount is already applied in France, supplementary pensions (Agirc-Arrco) for private sector employees who retire before age 65. The retiree does not realize, because a fund compensates this difference.

But the existence of this fund, called AGFF, is up to the renewal of a regular union-management agreement.The agreement expires at the end of this year and will be renegotiated just after the reform of pensions.

Advantage of the option: it offers hope of union protests limited, maintaining the symbolic age 60 years. Disadvantage: it would make a bit more complicated than a pension system that is already fairly. And above all, "everyone knows that it is the workers rather than managers, who tend to stop working when they have the right, a government source analysis. The risk is they leave with even lower pensions. The government plans to publish a first draft of its reform from mid-May

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Greece: Europe mobilizes 30 billion

Posted in economic, economy, money, people, resources by admin on April 12th, 2010 | Comments Off

It took two peaks and a half-dozen ministerial appointments, but the sixteen countries of the euro are finally able to determine in detail the safety net for Greece. The European system, officially operational since Sunday, includes up to 30 billion euros in bilateral loans to an interest rate target of about 5M for a term of three years.

"Until now, the Sixteen had taken decisions in principle, we now show that there is money behind," said Jean-Claude Juncker after a video conference involving Ministers Euro zone finance. "All the tools are in place and operational immediately," said Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Athens has not yet decided to use this financial plan. But it was time to measure reliability.Greece, seriously diminished his credit, is to resume tomorrow's Calvary borrower, raising 1.2 billion of Treasury bills at six and twelve months. Repeatedly announced but never detailed the mechanism difficult to convince the markets for two months. The litmus test is committed immediately. By late May, Athens faces more than 10 billion euros maturity on a debt estimated at 300 billion. It must still find 32 billion before the end of the year. The figures broken down on Sunday in Brussels, more generous than expected, seem a priori to the scale of the challenge.

For 30 billion that could unlock the Sixteen would be added the joint contribution of the IMF. If we follow the rule laid down by 2/3-1/3 the last EU summit, Greece could therefore be based if necessary on a cushion of more than 40 billion euros in loans this year.No estimate has yet been advanced for years.

Mechanism triple expansion

With an interest of around 5% on loans for three years, the Sixteen still follow the principles laid March 25. As a last resort, Greece could be financed at a lower price than it does now on the market (more than 7%). But she would not receive any subsidy-provided imperiously posed by Germany, nor any advantage over other heavily indebted countries like Portugal, Ireland, Spain or Italy. If the ETF would be implemented, "Greece would be encouraged to return quickly to the market" to finance themselves forward Jean-Claude Juncker.A hypothesis that will be realized when Athens will be able to raise money at rates lower than the European plan.

Faced with deadlines looming, the Greek prime minister, George Papandreou, had struck these days on all doors so that Europe finally joins the action to the word. To impress the financial, "we must put a loaded revolver on the table," he said Sunday at the Greek newspaper "To Vima". "The question, he added, is whether the device will persuade the markets (…) Otherwise, it could well be used …"

At the announcement of decisions taken by the Sixteen, the Greek Minister of Finance was confident.George Papaconstantinou welcomed an agreement "very important", confirming that he had not requested the activation of the mechanism: "We believe we can continue to borrow freely on the markets."

It was at Athens that he would take the initiative, confirmed Sunday the Commissioner Rehn. But the mechanism is at least triple expansion. The European Commission, the ECB and the IMF all have their say or their conditions to ask. Finally, the loans would only be released only by unanimous consent of the Sixteen, which gives a veto to Germany. George Papandreou today has a net credible.But it has not finished with the tightrope.

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United States: banks fudging accounts

Posted in economics, finance, people, resources, top news by admin on April 9th, 2010 | Comments Off

Neither seen nor known. For five years, just ahead of their quarterly publications, 18 major banks like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase or Citigroup, have simply replaced the box for "debt", a figure from another, much smaller, according New York Fed. On average 42%, according to figures from the institution, reports the website of The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Why? Because they fear being punished by the stock market investors, who watch carefully the amounts of debts and, thus, the risk levels of a bank. And also because they fear that the ratings agencies are reviewing their notes down No teletrack payday loans. What would frighten investors Exchange.

In fact, between two publications, the debts are upgraded in the accounts.In the end, nothing illegal, writes the WSJ Online, which emphasizes that while some complained of the banks confirmed this tinkering, representatives of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup, have made no comment.

The spokesman for Bank of America has however stressed that "efforts made to manage our balance sheet size are suitable, and these strategies are compatible with the rules and accounting standards.