1st LD Writethru : French unions obtain permission to protest Thursday in Paris: report

The French unions opposing labor reform finally got the permission to protest this Thursday in Paris, head of the CGT union Philippe Martinez announced Wednesday during a press conference.

"After close discussions with the interior minister, the unions and youth organizations have obtained the right to protest in Paris," Martinez was cited by French newspaper Le Figaro as saying.

Due to fear of violence, the police department of Paris initially rejected on Wednesday morning the request of demonstration.

The authorized demonstration march itinerary was "proposed by the interior minister", Le Figaro added.

Under high pressure to reduce unemployment, French President Francois Hollande proposed to reform the strictly codified labor rules by offering more flexibility to enterprises to hire.

The proposed reform also aims to reduce overtime pay and economic redundancies and opens to negotiation working hours and holidays.

However, critics say such reforms would create more low-paid jobs and further weaken pay. Endit