Valls bypasses parliament with labor bill

France adopted the divisive labor bill on Wednesday after the government used a constitutional provision to force it through parliament with no vote.

Valls had told lawmakers in the lower house that the legislation, which weakens the powers of trade unions, was necessary to create jobs and make France more competitive in the global market. Among other changes envisaged, the law would make layoffs easier and extend the working week.

However, left and right were unable to agree on the reforms, and it became increasingly obvious that he would struggle to have it passed in the lower house.

Workers' organizations claim France's Socialist government has betrayed them by dismantling employee rights.

However, conservative critics say the changes don't go far enough. They aim to push a tougher bill if they win presidential and legislative elections next year.

Scope for censure

Article 49-3 of the constitution allows the government to adopt legislation without a parliamentary vote, unless the lower house passes a no-confidence motion against the government. Parliamentarians have 24 hours to mount a motion of censure. If they do not do so, the bill is considered to have been passed.

The French government has already used Article 49-3 for the adoption of legislation for the first two readings of the bill.

Protests have been staged across the country, with scuffles between demonstrators and the police. Meanwhile public sites, including a hospital in Paris, have been defaced.

Strikes involving seven of the country's main unions have prompted fuel shortages, travel cancellations and the accumulation of rubbish across France.

rc/ (dpa, Reuters)