FRANCE WATCH: Unions Stage Day of Protests Over Labour Reforms

--Turnout May Be Well Below Levels Seen By Hollande

By Jack Duffy

     PARIS (MNI) - French President Emmanuel Macron faced the first test of his

ability to push through economic reforms on Tuesday as thousands of union

workers took to the streets to protest his proposed labour law changes.

     Unions led by the hard-line CGT planned 180 demonstrations around the

country and filed 4,000 strike notices, resulting in disruptions to train and

bus services as well as in post offices and hospitals.

     But unions were divided, with the country's first and third largest trade

organizations not supporting the CGT protests Tuesday. Although the largest

demonstrations in Paris had yet to get underway at midday, participation was

expected to be well below levels provoked by President Francois Hollande's

labour reforms, when participation reached 390,000 in March 2016 and some

demonstrations turned violent.

     CGT leader Philippe Martinez told French radio on Tuesday that "the only

fight that is lost is the one that is not waged. There is a lot at stake here

and a large  mobilization is necessary." 

     Macron won't witness the demonstrations himself as early Tuesday he flew to

inspect the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in France's Caribbean

territories of Saint Martin and St Barthelemy. 

     The protests come as Macron has been weakened by plunging poll numbers,

caused in part by opposition to reforms, but also by communications gaffs. The

latest YouGov poll last week showed his approval rating at just 30%, down from

36% in August and 43% in July. 

     Macron provoked particular ire with comments during a state visit to Greece

last week, saying he would not "give in to the lazy, the cynics or extremists,"

by backing down on reforms.  

     The labour code changes, which will allow small companies to negotiate

salary and work conditions directly with employees and exclude unions, are due

to come into effect next week by executive order. Further protests by students

and by the far-left France Unbowed party are scheduled for Sept. 21 and Sept.

23. 

--MNI Paris Bureau; tel: +33 1-42-71-55-41; email: jack.duffy@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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