At the end of the century during which labor law has developed and at the dawn of a new one, it appears difficult for western European countries to develop optimistic views about the evolution of employment rights and social protection. In this sense, fears about the future are underpinned by a glorified past and a troubled present.

…. Another phenomenon is the ever-invading process of market logic. The market tends to become the only logic by which any exchange of goods is carried out or any service is provided. Under this trend competition law becomes the prominent discipline and any element that could disrupt the functioning of the market is considered harmful. In this approach, which is greatly influenced by neo-liberal ideology, labor law is considered as having a disruptive effect on the market. In France, this conception damages the idea that some services, being of general interest … justify restrictions of competition and cannot be organized on pure market logic.