Relations interentreprises et mise en œuvre des 35 heures dans les PMI

Inter-company relationships play a crucial role in strategies adopted by small and medium-sized industries. Between 1999 and 2002, the application of legislation on the 35-hour work week took place in an environment characterised by high growth rates. However, for trades subject to sub-contracting, the beneficial effects of this conjuncture were impeded by the accentuation of pressure coming from big companies placing orders with their suppliers. Small and medium-sized independent industries involved in sub-contracting point out the recurrent lowering of prices which they have to bear, as well as considerable cost constraints generated by this situation - in particular concerning the application of the 35-hour work week. The world expansion of markets for high-quality consumer goods has notably enabled small and medium-sized French independent industries to implement a strategy which is autonomous of the industrial groups, and which has often proven to be profitable.