French president Chirac to sign new labor law despite protests

French president Chirac is likely to sign a new labor law allowing youth under 26 to be fired without cause with a few minor changes. French youth have been protesting the proposed changes which gives workers generous benefits once hired. The French government has been under increasing pressure to boost the sluggish economy and the high unemployment rate. The unemployment rate among youth is at 23%. The new law is meant to encourage employers to hire younger workers without the threat of legal action by the government if they fire them for incompetence.