Can the employer make its employees work on May 1?

The Labor Code lays down provisions on public holidays. Nevertheless, specific rules apply for the day of the 1st^er May.

Specific provisions on 1 May

On 1^er may is a day mandatory unemployed. It cannot lead to a pay cut. Thus, employees paid by hour, day or performance are entitled to compensation equivalent to the salary they would have received. This allowance is paid by the employer.

Exception for institutions and services whose continuity is essential

On 1^er but the obligation not to work does not apply to establishments and services for which business continuity is essential (hospitals, public transport...).

The employee who works on 1^er mai benefits from a doubling of his usual remuneration. The employer must pay him his salary and an indemnity equal to that salary.

Authorization in 2026 for artisanal bakers and florists

By press release, the Prime Minister announced that the artisanal bakers (“indispensable to the continuity of social life”) and artisanal florists (‘activity traditionally associated with 1^er May’) can open 1^er May 2026. It has been stated that the businesses concerned will not be fined.

Only the voluntary employees having given written agreement to their employer, they will be able to work that day. They will also benefit from the doubling of the usual remuneration.

In order to act on these changes, the government will present a “security bill” applicable as of 2027.