France: business strikes back

CGT boss says he has spoken to PM
Angry protesters mob Martinez


Sue and counter-sue between unions


“It’s better when we talk”


The General Secretary of France’s CGT union says he has had an approach from the government over stalled talks on employment law reform.

Philippe Martinez made the comments during a visit to the town of Fougeres.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called the boss of the CGT on Saturday, for the first time in several weeks, it is claimed.

“There has been no contact for three months, not a thing, and then Saturday there was a call from the Prime Minister,” Philippe Martinez told reporters. “When we talk, it is better than when we say ‘my door is open but we are not discussing anything’.”

Did Valls back down over the law?


No.

The Prime Minister is maintaining his position on the plan for reform.

Giving in would be a “political mistake,” Valls said, adding that he is determined to “stick with the terms of the text.”

Angry busine