Jens Thoemmes Livres

The book examines the evolution of work through the lens of time autonomy, highlighting its transformation from 19th-century efforts to reclaim time from employers to contemporary discussions on flexible work arrangements. By analyzing case studies from France, Germany, and China, it reveals how tools like flexitime and telecommuting have aligned employee needs with production demands since the late 1960s. The comparative perspective sheds light on the varying conditions, opportunities, and risks associated with time autonomy in diverse workplaces and socioeconomic contexts.

The book explores the evolution of working time regulation over the past two decades, examining the roles of trade unions, employers, and the State in shaping work hours. It investigates why various age thresholds and work durations exist, linking these changes to market dynamics and historical contexts. By highlighting the significance of this movement across different borders and cultures, it emphasizes the impact of collective bargaining on global working conditions.