Source date: 2026-04-20
Can an employer require employees to work on May 1st? Published on April 21, 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative (Prime Minister's Office)
As May 1st approaches, it is essential to know the rules applicable in the workplace on that day. Reminder.
The Labor Code lays down provisions regarding public holidays. However, specific rules apply to May 1st.
Specific provisions for May 1st
May 1st is a mandatory non-working day. It cannot result in a reduction in salary. Thus, employees paid by the hour, day, or output are entitled to compensation equivalent to the wages they would have received. This compensation is paid by the employer.
Exception for establishments and services where continuity is indispensable On May 1st, the obligation not to work does not apply to establishments and services for which the continuity of activity is indispensable (hospitals, public transport, etc.).
An employee who works on May 1st benefits from double their usual remuneration. Indeed, the employer must pay them their salary as well as an indemnity equal to that salary.
On April 17, via press release, the Prime Minister announced "his intention to present in the coming days a bill to authorize artisanal bakeries-pastry shops and artisanal florists to open on May 1st".
Legal texts and references
See also
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Press release from the Prime Minister of April 17, 2026 Prime Minister
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Bill proposal aiming to allow employees of certain establishments and services to work on May 1st Vie-publique.fr
Source: Service-Public professionals
