Workers’ Unions in France Call For Further Transport Disruption Protesting Labor Reform Plan

The French are preparing themselves for a week of severe transport disruption following calls from unions for tougher movements protesting labor reforms planned by the Socialist government. The calls have fueled speculations since the country has already been suffering from a shortage of fuel for a week.

The reform plan aims to introduce easier process for recruitment and dismissal of employees. Rigid stance of the French President
Francois Hollande over the reform plan has apparently instigated the unions to call for tougher movements.

Last week, the French people have witnessed a fuel shortage induced transport disruption since unions have demonstrated walk outs at refineries and blocked fuel depots. Six of France’s eight refineries have been compelled either to halt or reduce production due to union action.    

France is going to host Euro 2016 football championships in less than two weeks and particularly this fact appears at the root of all speculations. Further transport disruption seems to be unavoidable since Paris metro staffs have decided to initiate indefinite moves from June 2. Meanwhile, Air France pilots have opted for observing strike over pay hikes, reports BBC.

The French Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is also going to add miseries to the air passengers through staging a walkout from June 3 to June 5. CAA announced move is believed to cause cancellation and delays to flights. Unions have vowed to continue their campaign of stoppages and demonstrations to pressure the government to scrap the reforms, according to a report published in France 24.  

Meanwhile, Philippe Martinez, General Confederation of Labor (CGT) leader has confirmed receiving a phone call from the French Prime Minister Manuel Valls to discuss the standoff. Though he hasn’t shared details, but during the phone call of May 28, he has reiterated the demand for withdrawing the reform plan prior to initiate discussions, reports RFI citing French news channel BFMTV as the source. However, he considers the French Prime Minister’s call as a good sign and certain outcome of their movement.

The Socialist government expects to inject more flexibility into France’s rigid labor market through the planned reform. It will allow companies to negotiating terms and conditions with the workers instead of governing with industry based agreements. However, unions oppose the plan fearing eroded job security and fuel unemployment which is just below 10% at this moment in France.   

Unions have got furious whenever government has passed the reforms through the lower house of parliament without a vote. Now they have called for observing another national day of rallies and strikes on June 14. French Senate is scheduled to initiate scrutinizing the law on that very day.