Macron tries to sell plan to reform France’s labor market

French President Emmanuel Macron is holding meetings with unions and business organizations to discuss reforming the country’s labor market, which many blame for France’s sub-par economic performance over recent years.

Government spokesman Christophe Castaner told France 2 television that Tuesday’s meetings aim at opening a “dialogue” but that the “unions must understand the need for changing lines”.

During his presidential campaign, Macron pledged to make reform of the labor market a top priority as part of an effort to boost job hiring. French unemployment has hovered around 10 percent for years.

Macron’s proposed reforms, which include moving France’s collective wage bargaining from the industry to the company level, have prompted concerns from unions fearing they would weaken workers protections.

Macron’s plan may hinge on legislative elections next month.

(AP)