French gov't uses constitution power to pass contested labor reform

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Wednesday resorted to a constitutional mechanism to bypass parliament and pass a contested labor reform without lawmakers' support.

"The government has a relative majority. I regret that I cannot accept the status-quo of blocking because this reform is essential for the future of our country," Valls said.

With a 49-3 vote, the government seeks to reach a final adoption of the proposed labor rules that triggered month-long strikes and street protests. However, it risks losing a confidence vote.

Opponents could censure the government and seek a no-confidence vote in the next 24 hours. If a no-confidence motion fails, the law can be adopted.

Opposition conservatives, centrists and even lawmakers from the Socialist camp have accused the government of shifting to a liberal approach and of harming France's social model.

They said the reform would create more low-paid jobs and further weaken workers' receipts.

The Socialist government said its proposal to soften labor rules would incite companies to hire more by reducing overtime pay and economic redundancies and opening to negotiation working hours and holidays. Endit