The reforms aim to make it easier for bosses to hire and fire. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said they were ambitious, balanced and fair but it was natural that not everyone would support the changes. Protests against the plan are expected next month, but two of the biggest unions say they will not take part. Jean-Claude Mailly, the leader of Force Ouvrire (FO), said that while the reforms were far from perfect, the government had carried out "real consultation" and FO would play no role in demonstrations on 12 September.