Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said today the government would present much-needed labour market reforms on June 16 whether or not it had reached a deal with unions and employers, Reuters reported. "The government will approve the labour reform at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, June 16, whether or not there's an agreement," Zapatero told reporters. "Labour reform is needed to contribute to job creation, reduce unemployment and boost our labour market," he said. The proposed reforms will then go to parliament for a final vote, without amendments. Economists consider labour market reforms, along with bank restructuring and reducing the deficit, essential to solving Spain's long-term economic problems and pulling the country out of its worst recession in decades. Government talks with the unions and business leaders have been going on for months. -- SPA
