French President Francois Hollande says he will not U-turn on labour reforms as strikes loom
French President Francois Hollande has said that the controversial labour reforms will go ahead despite threats of industrial action on railways.
Hollande's comments come as a national railway strike is due to commence tonight, with the Paris Metro set to join it on Thursday. Air France pilots have also voted to strike for at least six days in June in a separate dispute.
Hollande has also come under fire as unemployment has remained persistently high while attempting to introduce controversial reforms, but told the Sub Ouest newspaper: "The text assures the best performance for businesses and offers new rights to employees. I consider it necessary to see it through to its conclusion."
Protestors are angry about the reforms which would see the 35-hour week remain, but as an average, meaning firms can negotiate with trade unions on more or fewer hours, up to a maximum of 46.
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The reforms also give companies more power to reduce pay, as well as conditions under which employees can be fired and freedom to negotiate holidays and leave, areas currently highly regulated across France.
However, Hollande has said that the bill will ensure workers rights are protected while businesses can become more flexible and competitive. That hasn't gone down well, however, given they have come from the Socialist Party in France.
Hollande's statement that the government would push ahead with reform also comes just days after protestors took to the streets to march in protest of the same reforms, as well as the fuel crisis.
And the problem doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon. French trade unions have called for transport strikes during the Euro 2016 football tournament, causing the French tourist board to warn that visitors are being put off trips to Paris.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls has asked the CGT union to propose changes to the bill to avert the strike action over the month-long football tournament.
While the government would not back down on key provisions in the reform, it attempted to stop a broaded protest forming by announcing a pay rise for teachers, as well as promising to speed up reorganisation talks at state owned SNCF railways.