French lawmakers adopt contested labor code reform

French lawmakers on Thursday officially approved contested new labor rules after the government used constitutional powers to approve the reform after bypassing parliament.

After long and stormy debate and violent street protests, the government's proposal to implement labor reform became law as no party had submitted a motion of censure.

On Wednesday, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls passed the reform without lawmakers' approval.

With the use of constitution power, the government risked a no-confidence vote if opponents deposed a motion of censure in 24 hours.

To bring down unemployment claims in France, the government proposed making layoffs easier, reducing overtime pay and economic redundancies and opening to negotiation working hours and holidays.

However, critics say such reform would create more low-paid jobs and further weaken workers' earnings. Endit