On May 1, 2025, France will once again observe Labor Day, a public holiday celebrated since 1948. This year, however, the day carries with it a weight of controversy and discussion regarding the rights of workers and the legality of working on this day. Traditionally, May 1 is a day of rest for employees, but a growing number of professions are questioning the necessity of this rule.
The discussions have become particularly relevant following the acquittal of five bakers in La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, who were summoned to court for opening their shops on May 1, 2024. This case has reignited the debate over labor laws concerning public holidays. "We were acquitted this time, but the question of whether we can work on Labor Day remains open," one of the bakers commented.
Anne-Marie Cauchois, a florist from Vaudreuil in Eure, has decided to keep her shop closed on May 1, 2025, to avoid any legal repercussions. Although independent shopkeepers can operate on Labor Day, employees are not permitted to work. "I don’t want to risk getting fined for having my employees work on this day," Cauchois explained. "The laws are confusing, and it depends on the inspector." If an employer violates these labor laws, they could face a hefty fine of 750 euros per employee.
This year, the tradition of giving lily of the valley, or muguet, on May 1 adds another layer to the day. The flower is a symbol of good luck and is traditionally given to loved ones. However, the sale of muguet is only allowed under certain conditions, such as selling in small quantities and not setting up near a flower shop. This year, while Cauchois will be selling muguet without her employees, she faces competition from individuals selling the flowers on the street.
"I have to manage everything myself, from sales to packaging, which is challenging," she said. "I have some kind customers, so I think it will be fine, but I can’t do everything at once." This situation has not been well understood by her employees. Sophie Dutheil, who has worked as a florist for two decades, expressed her desire to work on Labor Day, saying, "I’ve always worked on May 1, and I want to help my boss. It’s normal for us to work on this day, and we get paid double."
André Sourdon, a former baker and president of the Bakers' Federation of Eure, shared his perspective on the issue. He has always worked on May 1 with the consent of his employees, noting that many in the profession do the same. "We have several days throughout the year where employees are paid double for working, and it’s essential for us to serve our customers," he said. Sourdon hopes that a solution will be found soon, as the continuity of business is crucial.
In recent years, the question of who is allowed to work on May 1 has become more complex. While essential services like healthcare and emergency services are permitted to operate, the law does not clearly define which retail businesses can open. A bill introduced on April 25, 2025, by two senators aims to expand the list of authorized professions to include florists, bakers, gas stations, pharmacies, and DIY stores. This proposal seeks to follow the same rules as Sunday work, ensuring that any work on May 1 is voluntary and compensated appropriately.
The origins of Labor Day date back over 130 years to the United States, where labor unions rallied for an eight-hour workday. The date of May 1 was chosen for its significance in labor contracts. On May 1, 1886, approximately 200,000 workers achieved their goal, but the movement faced violent backlash, particularly in Chicago, where a bomb was thrown at police during a protest, leading to deaths and arrests of union leaders.
In 1889, the Second Socialist International declared May 1 as a day of demonstrations for workers' rights, inspired by the events in the U.S. The day took on a more tragic tone in France in 1891 when soldiers fired on peaceful strikers in Fourmies, killing nine people. These events solidified May 1 as a day of remembrance and protest for workers.
In France, the day was officially recognized as a public holiday in 1941 under the Vichy regime, which renamed it "Fête du Travail et de la Concorde sociale" (Labor Day and Social Concord). This change was part of an effort to unify workers and employers under a corporatist agenda. The term "Labor Day" was officially adopted after the Liberation in 1947, solidifying its status as a paid holiday for employees.
Today, Labor Day is celebrated as a day of solidarity among workers, with unions organizing demonstrations across the country. In Charente, four protests are planned, while in Charente-Maritime, six demonstrations are set to occur. The CGT, CFDT, FSU, UNSA, and Sud Solidaires unions are calling for a massive turnout to defend workers' rights, particularly against proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age to 64. They also advocate for the rights of women, immigrants, and minorities.
Demonstrations will take place in major towns such as Angoulême, La Rochelle, and Saintes, with union leaders emphasizing the importance of solidarity in today’s social climate. As the date approaches, the discussions surrounding the legality of work on May 1 and the rights of workers continue to evolve, reflecting a society grappling with its labor laws and the meaning of solidarity.
