Constitutional Council Upholds Labor Law

The Constitutional Council upheld a labor law that makes it easier to fire young workers, leaving President Jacques Chirac to decide whether to sign it as opponents threatened more protests.

Proponents say the law will spur hiring and help solve France's youth unemployment. Students and labor unions say it will erode workplace protections.

Even if Chirac proposes changes to the law or offers talks, unions are unlikely to bite. They want the law withdrawn before they will negotiate. The measure allows a two-year trial period for workers younger than 26 during which companies can fire them for no reason.