France's Socialist President Francois Hollande is Engaged in the Biggest Test of his Presidency

The fight is over a reform that aims to boost hiring by making France's 35-hour workweek more flexible, making it easier to fire workers and weakening unions' powers. Some labor groups say the measures will erode workers' hard-won protections and mainly benefit big businesses.


Here are some possible outcomes for the intensifying standoff.

STRIKES COULD GROW, HURT ECONOMY

Seven unions and student organizations have called for a nationwide day of protests and strikes on Thursday, in addition to blockades of fuel depots and refineries since last week.
Strikers could be joined by employees of nuclear plants, which provide most French electricity. In addition, new calls for strikes in the rail sector should disrupt national and regional traffic.
Since numerous street demonstrations across France in recent weeks didn't lead to the withdrawal of the law, unions are now trying to boost mobilization.
They hope to put stronger pressure on the government ahead of the June 10-July 10 Euro 2016 soccer championship, set to draw attention from millions of supporter all over Europe.
They also want to use the leverage of potential damage to French economy to force the government to change its mind.

LABOR LAW COULD BE SCRAPPED OR TWEAKED

Hollande insisted last week he won't give up. Despite record-high unpopularity rates, Hollande hopes to run again for presidency next year and needs to be able to say he has implemented reforms during his first term.
He also considers the law has been sufficiently negotiated with unions and employers organizations earlier this year.