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Trade unions, students shun talks with Villepin

Vaiju Naravane

Constitutional Council to rule on law

Paris: Following Tuesday's massive demonstrations in France, the Government appears locked in a fight to the finish with trade unions, student bodies and other opponents of changes to the country's labour laws.

Not a single trade union or student organisation on Wednesday accepted Prime Minister De Villepin's invitation to talks in his office. Mr De Villepin had made it clear that while he was prepared to modify new labour legislation, there was no question of suspending or withdrawing the hated new contract which would allow employers to terminate the services of under-26 recruits at any time and without explanation during a two-year trial period. Under existing laws the trial period is three months, extendable once.

Since the demonstrations that brought an estimated three million people out into the streets, the Government has kept mum about its intentions. President Jacques Chirac's office, in a terse two-line communiqué, said the President would address the nation "in the days to come" but gave no details of his plans.

On Thursday, the Constitutional Council, the body that decides whether legislation is in keeping with the country's Constitution, will give its verdict on the legality of the measures adopted by Parliament. The Opposition Socialist Party has challenged the legislation on the grounds that the new contract discriminates against the young, denying them job security available to other sections of the population.

Members of the Government said the new employment contract "was not even discussed" during the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Olivia Martin, a 62-year old retired schoolteacher who demonstrated in Paris on Tuesday to "show solidarity with my grandchildren whose future is at risk" described the Cabinet meeting as "adding insult to injury".

She said she was appalled at the arrogance displayed by Mr. De Villepin who has turned a deaf ear to public opinion.

Criticism of the Prime Minister's high-handed tactics is growing within the ranks of his own governing coalition. Trade unions and student organisations will decide their future course of action once the Constitutional Council hands down its decision on Thursday. A decision in favour of the legislation is likely to lead to redoubled public protest.

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