France Lets Artisanal Bakers and Florists Open on May 1 Under Volunteer, Double-Pay Rules

Overview

• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Friday that independent bakers and florists may open on May 1, with state services instructed not to sanction shops that follow the new guidance.
• Only employees who volunteer can work that day and they must be paid double, with Matignon clarifying that written consent will be required to avoid disputes.
• The government will table a bill this year to create a permanent framework starting in 2027, and it plans branch-by-branch talks with a new round of meetings in early June.
• Unions, led by the CGT, warned against creating a breach in the guaranteed May 1 holiday, while Renaissance leader Gabriel Attal praised the step and some employees voiced support for extra pay.
• May 1 is the only French holiday that must be a paid day off by law, and past inspections fined bakers who used staff, highlighting the legal gray area this temporary fix seeks to cover.