Interview by Cole Stangler

After much anticipation, the French government finally unveiled sweeping labor law reforms on August 31, fulfilling a central campaign promise of newly elected centrist president Emmanuel Macron.

Among other things, the reforms place limits on the damages that can be awarded by judges to workers laid off without “cause,” decrease the number of employee representatives by merging different representation structures (including health and safety committees), authorize small businesses to implement terms without consulting unions, make it easier for bosses to justify economic layoffs, and allow for more use of short-term contracts.

President Macron is pursuing the reforms by executive order, bypassing the standard parliamentary procedure. Under this expedited process, the French cabinet is slated to approve the law on September 22. In order for the reforms to come into force, parliament must then give its final approval in the form of an up-or-down vote.

Nearly six in ten French people oppose the reforms, according to polls, and all of the major unions have criticized the government’s proposal. However, only some labor organizations have called for nationwide protests and strikes to oppose the reforms, slated for today, September 12, and September 21. These include the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the National Union of Students of France (UNEF).

Cole Stangler spoke with Stéphane Enjalran, national secretary and spokesperson for Solidaires, another group of unions that has endorsed the demonstrations. They discuss political strategy, the prospects of a larger social movement, and the image of organized labor in France.