Protests, picnics and politics as France marks fraught May Day
France is preparing for large May Day demonstrations on Thursday, as a political row deepens over which businesses should be allowed to open on the country's most symbolic public holiday.
A political row continues in France over whether certain small businesses – especially bakeries and florists – should be allowed to open on France's only public holiday when paid rest is mandatory for non-essential businesses.
The issue resurfaced after five bakers in the western Vendée region were taken to court for making staff work on 1 May 2024. They were acquitted last week.
'Until now, we've always worked on 1 May without any problems,' Dominique Anract, president of the national bakery and pastry union, told FranceInfo radio.
The union has advised its members not to ask staff to work this year unless the law is clarified.
Under current law, only essential services – such as hospitals, public transport, energy supply, cafés, hotels and restaurants – are allowed to open on May Day.
Employees in these sectors can be required to work, but must be paid double, and employers cannot offer compensatory time off instead.
While many bakeries traditionally open on public holidays, May Day is the exception.
French courts uphold use of police drones at May Day marches
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:France stages May Day rallies a year after pensions backlashMacron faces May Day protests over divisive French pensions lawFrench courts uphold use of police drones at May Day marches
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