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French government forces labor bill through Parliament

People march during a demonstration in Paris, Tuesday, July 5, 2016. French unions are staging what's likely to be their last show of force against a labor bill that has divided the nation and prompted the worst social unrest in years. The government says the bill — which makes it easier for companies to hire and fire employees and extend working hours — would boost hiring. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) People march during a demonstration in Paris, Tuesday, July 5, 2016. French unions are staging what's likely to be their last show of force against a labor bill that has divided the nation and prompted the worst social unrest in years. The government says the bill — which makes it easier for companies to hire and fire employees and extend working hours — would boost hiring. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

By Associated Press July 5, 2016 1 min read

PARIS (AP) – France’s government has used a special measure to force approval of a divisive labor bill in the lower house of Parliament without a vote – for a second time.

As lawmakers marched out of the National Assembly in anger, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls invoked a special constitutional article to approve the second reading of the bill Tuesday. He did the same thing for the first reading of the bill.

He argued that the bill is needed to boost hiring after decades of high unemployment and said he made the move “in the general interest.”

The bill prompted divisions in the governing Socialist party. Opponents say it will threaten hard-won worker protections because it allows employers more freedom to lay off workers and extend working hours.

The bill faces a final reading later this month.