French unions on Friday urged Emmanuel Macron not to implement the pension reform just approved by the Constitutional Council and warned they would refuse to meet with the executive until May 1, AFP reported.

“In view of the mass rejection of this reform, the trade unionists solemnly ask him not to promulgate the law, the only way to calm the anger that is being expressed in the country,” says the press release of the trade union activists, who decided “not to accept meetings with the executive power” until May 1, Labor Day,

In addition, they demand a record mobilization on May 1 for protests.

The legislation, which raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, is deeply unpopular in France and has sparked mass protests in recent weeks.

But in a major relief for Macron and his government, the country’s Constitutional Council gave the green light – with only a few minor caveats.

The council said the government’s actions were constitutional and approved raising the statutory retirement age, as well as overturning several measures aimed at increasing the employment of older workers on the grounds that they were not part of the legislation.

Macron and his government hope the result will deter further union protests, which have sometimes turned violent.