French truck company owners called off their protests against a shorter working week today after blockading highways and stranding thousands of foreign truckers at French borders for two days.

The decision came after six hours of talks between truck owner representatives and French Transport Ministry officials. Protesters are upset that the 35-hour work week will reduce their competitiveness against foreign trucking companies. They also were protesting a 30% increase in diesel fuel prices.
In the talks, Transport Ministry officials said trucking employees could work more than 35 hours a week if they were paid overtime. Truck owners will also get tax breaks on diesel fuel.
On Tuesday, roadblocks backed up traffic at 70 locations, according to news reports. Private cars were allowed through, after delays. Foreign truckers were stuck in freezing weather.