Economist in trouble over French laziness book

PARIS (Reuters) - An Electricite de France economist is in trouble with her employer after writing a tongue-in-cheek book about laziness in the French workplace.


An EDF spokeswoman said Corrine Maier, author of "Bonjour Paresse" (Hello Laziness), would face a disciplinary hearing at EDF on August 17, but declined to give more details.


A source close to the issue said EDF accused Maier of not respecting company rules and sowing discontent among her colleagues by using pejorative descriptions in her book for low-ranking staff in companies.


The book gives examples of how to take advantage of the system by doing as little work as possible and describes how the most ineffective people are promoted to senior jobs where they can do the least damage.


Maier was not immediately available for comment.


Labour unions at the state-owned behemoth, who have mounted strikes against government plans to partially privatise EDF, are protesting against the disciplinary action, saying Maier did not reveal any secrets, jeopardise business or mention EDF by name.