Macron, meeting union leaders, puts his labour reform plans to the test

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France May 21, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to reform will face a first crucial test on Tuesday when he meets unions and employers to talk over labour reforms he has pledged to push through quickly despite deep opposition on the Left.

Against a background of high unemployment of 9.6 percent, the pro-business, Europe-minded centrist, elected just over two weeks ago, has made a loosening of labour market regulations his biggest economic priority in his first year in office.