How does France's labor movement differ from that of the U.S.?

France's labor union movement can best be described as political and ideological in nature. Union density is very low but there is high contract coverage by industry-level agreements. Multiple mechanisms for workplace representation exist. The CGT, with a membership of 800,000 has traditionally followed a communist philosophy, pursuing a socialist, rather than business unionism, agenda. The vast difference between union philosophy and employer interests makes it difficult to establish a stable system of labor relations in France. Strikes and worker protests are used more commonly in France than in the U.S. and primarily for the purpose of social change that would make the political environment more favorable toward unions, rather than trying to gain better terms and conditions in the workplace. The labor-relations climate has, however, been changing as unions are becoming more pragmatic and French labor law has attempted to institutionalize collective bargaining. French law provides for several forms of workplace-level employee representation apart from unions . Bargaining takes place on three levels: multi-industry, industry, and company. However, bargaining agreements remain relatively weak.