Protests in France as labour reform anger grows

Thousands of French high school students and workers protested against labour reforms on Wednesday, heaping pressure on President Francois Hollande’s already unpopular and fractured Socialist government with presidential elections looming in 14 months.

Teenagers and students threw eggs and firecrackers as they marched in Paris chanting slogans such as “El Khomri, you’re beat, the youth are in the street” in reference to labour minister Myriam El Khomri.

The youth are among the most vocal demonstrators against reforms they fear will make their future more uncertain, even as the government vows that the changes are in their favour.

Dozens of schools were blocked as protests took place around the country, compounded by a rail strike for better working conditions that left many commuters stranded.

France’s government has faced massive pushback — including from within its ranks — over the proposals that would give bosses more flexibility in hiring and firing.

“This law is absurd: night work, abusive firings... It is distressing to see this, especially from the Socialists,” said Lucie Ferreira, 21, an IT student.

The reforms aim to bring down a record 10.2-per cent unemployment rate, with youth joblessness more than twice that.

The proposed new law also cuts overtime pay for work beyond 35 hours — the working week famously introduced in the 1990s in an earlier Socialist bid to boost employment. In some sectors, young apprentices could work 40 hours a week.

“Like many students I work to pay for my studies. This law will prevent me from limiting my work hours,” said Flora, 20, a history student.