On May 1, 2025, workers around the world are celebrating Labor Day, a day steeped in history and significance. In France, however, the atmosphere is anything but united as various unions demonstrate in a dispersed order, marking a departure from previous years when solidarity was the norm.
This year, the French Democratic Confederation of Labor (CFDT) has opted not to join the main procession, a move that has drawn attention and criticism. The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), on the other hand, has identified approximately 260 gatherings across the country, advocating for a "festive and combative" May Day.
In major cities like Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, and Nantes, processions kicked off at 10:30 AM, while demonstrations began even earlier in Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Nice at 10:00 AM. In Paris, the inter-union gathering is set to meet at Place d'Italie at 2:00 PM before marching to Place de la Nation. The CGT, Solidaires, and FSU unions will participate, alongside youth organizations including Unef and la Fage.
The unions are rallying against the extreme right and calling for peace, freedom, and social justice. A significant point of contention is the proposed senatorial bill that would allow bakers and florists to work on May 1, a move that has sparked heated debate. Retirements and the ongoing struggle over pension reforms are also expected to be central themes of the protests.
Unlike the previous year’s demonstrations, where all union organizations marched together against pension reforms, the CFDT's absence from the main procession this year highlights divisions among labor groups. The CFDT is hosting a round table discussion with Unsa from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Paris, citing disagreements over demands as the reason for their absence.
This year’s protests come amid a tense social climate, with authorities anticipating between 100,000 and 150,000 demonstrators nationwide, including an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 in Paris. In 2024, 121,000 people participated in the demonstrations, and tensions often run high, with police warning that "no excesses will be tolerated" during the events.
In Dunkirk, several left-wing elected officials are expected to join the workers of ArcelorMittal in their protest against the elimination of over 600 jobs. Prominent figures from the New Popular Front, including Olivier Faure and François Ruffin, will stand in solidarity with the workers.
Meanwhile, the far-right National Rally (RN) has distanced itself from the protests, opting to hold its own meeting at the Arena de Narbonne at 2:30 PM, featuring Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella. This marks a significant shift as the RN has chosen to abandon the traditional tributes to Joan of Arc during May Day, a practice initiated by Jean-Marie Le Pen in 1988.
The political backdrop to this year’s May Day is further complicated by ongoing discussions about whether certain small businesses should be permitted to operate on this public holiday. The issue resurfaced after five bakers in the Vendée region were acquitted last week for making staff work on May 1, 2024, despite it being against the law.
Under current regulations, only essential services such as hospitals and public transport are allowed to operate on May Day, and employees in these sectors must be paid double if they work, with no option for compensatory time off. The French Federation of Artisan Florists has also called for a revision of these rules, expressing frustration that florists are unable to sell lily of the valley, a traditional flower associated with May Day.
According to the bakers’ union, closing on May 1 could cost the baking sector upwards of 70 million euros, as sales on this day tend to be 25 percent higher than on other public holidays. In response to the ongoing debate, a group of centrist senators has proposed a bill to allow more businesses to open on May Day without altering its status as a paid public holiday. This initiative, led by Vendée senator Annick Billon, has garnered support from the government.
Labour Minister Catherine Vautrin has defended the proposed changes, stating that they aim to reflect cultural habits and long-standing practices, particularly the tradition of bakeries providing fresh bread. However, union leaders have pushed back against this initiative. CGT leader Sophie Binet remarked, "No way. There are 364 other days to open. We can survive one day without a baguette. It’s very important that this day stays a holiday with no work."
Business groups have voiced their support for the proposed legislation, arguing that it is time to stop hindering those who wish to work. Amir Reza-Tofighi, president of the small business confederation CPME, said, "We need to stop bothering the French, stop bothering businesses and employees who want to work." In contrast, the left has largely rejected the bill, while right-wing and far-right factions have expressed their approval.
As the clock ticks down to the various rallies, police are preparing for a significant turnout, expecting between 100,000 and 150,000 participants across approximately 250 protests nationwide. The largest gathering is anticipated in Paris, where up to 30,000 individuals may join the march. In 2023, protests turned violent in several cities, raising concerns about potential disruptions this year.
Authorities have also indicated that they are bracing for the presence of "high-risk elements" at the protests, with estimates suggesting that between 200 and 400 of these individuals may appear in Paris alone. In Lyon, the estimate is between 300 and 500, and in Nantes, it is expected that 50 to 100 high-risk individuals will be present. Additionally, foreign activists from Germany, Italy, and Denmark are anticipated to join the protests.
This year’s May Day is shaping up to be a complex tapestry of celebration, protest, and political maneuvering, reflecting the ongoing struggles and aspirations of the French workforce. As the sun rises on this significant day, the streets of France will undoubtedly echo with the voices of those advocating for change.