By Samindra Kunti
May 17 – Nationwide strikes in France against the ‘Loi Travail’ labour laws threaten to disrupt the smooth running of the Euro 2016 Championship this summer, particularly when it comes to travelling around the country.
The French are protesting against Francois Hollande’s anti-social new labour law, which will implement sweeping labour reforms. The government invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to bypass parliament and push through with the law.
The ‘Loi Travail’ liberalises labor law. The reforms maintain the 35-hour week but allow for flexible working hours. Companies can negotiate with local trade unions on more or fewer hours from week to week, up to a maximum of 46 hours. Firms will be given greater freedom to reduce pay. The law will ease conditions for laying off workers. Employers will be given more leeway to negotiate holidays and special leave, such as maternity or for getting married.
In the past all these regulations and provisions were heavily regulated.
Employers are staunchly in favor of the ‘Loi Travail,’ while unions, students and workers vehemently oppose the law. Last week 200,000 protesters took to the streets in Paris alone.
This week nationwide strikes, mainly in both the public and transport sector, will hit France. Students and other young segments of French society, struggling with chronic unemployment, are expected to protest in huge numbers. Last night lorry drivers put up road blocs, today police will strike in Paris.
France’s deeply unpopular President François Hollande has been banking on the labour reform as a standout initiative to defend his record. Hollande has little more than a year left in his mandate.
The social tension may affect EURO 2016, UEFA’s flagship tournament this June and July as France welcomes millions of football fans from across the continent as 24 participating countries vie for European glory.
But, for weeks on end, rail workers have been protesting about poor working conditions and demanding improved pay. “It [the strike] is unlimited and renewable, for 48 hours each week over Wednesdays and Thursday,” said a spokesman of CGT, a smaller rail union.
The French national rail service wants to make cuts as the SNCF will be opened up to competition under EU competition law. For now, rail services remain relatively cheap and fast in France. Many fans will use the rail services to travel around the host country and get to the different venues.
The tournament will start on June 10 with France playing Romania and will culminate exactly a month later with the final. Spain are the defending champions.
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