Emmanuel Macron faces first big public test: French unions plan to protest labour law reforms

Paris: President Emmanuel Macron’s presidency is facing its first big public test, as unions hold nationwide protests against changes to labour laws that they fear corrode job security. [caption id=“attachment_3711691” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of French president Emmanuel Macron. Reuters[/caption] The prominent CGT union is leading Tuesday’s protests, calling for strikes across transport and other public sector businesses and planning some 180 demonstrations. The protests are in response to August draft decrees that reduce the power of unions and give companies more authority to fire workers and influence workplace rules. Some unions have refused to join the protests, preferring to negotiate with Macron’s government over upcoming plans to change unemployment and retirement rules. Tuesday’s protests are the first big public display of discontent with Macron, and come as his popularity is sinking. Macron is heading to hurricane-battered islands in the French Caribbean.