When the millionth Volkswagen beetled off a West German assembly line this month, Volkswagen workers were treated to 40,000 liters of beer, a cancan act from Paris and a speech frowning on the 40-hour week. "Work is much more satisfying than idleness," said Volkswagen President Heinz Nordhoff (TIME, Feb. 15, 1954). "It is not without good reason that the cycle of six working days and one Sunday has been in existence for thousands of years. No doubt, a Saturday off would be a nice gift to many but a curse to others....
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