France: bill to reform the 35-hour work week

The bill on social democracy (see our article No. 080512) adopted on June 18 by the Council of Ministers also contains provisions making regulations on working time more flexible by granting more autonomy for bargaining at company level. When Xavier Bertrand, Minister of Labor, announced that he wanted to reform the 35-hour week legislation, there was an outcry among the social partners who already negotiated a framework for flexibility in the length of work time. The government, which has adopted a bill going far beyond this framework, is accused of disrupting the recently launched social dialogue dynamics. (Ref. 080516)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.


Content of the reform. The bill aims at giving more weight to negotiations at company level. While there is no change in the regulations on rest and maximum work periods as well as in the 35-hour week legislation which remains the threshold triggering overtime, the bill allows more autonomy for company agreements (especially in respect of the provisions containing an agreement at branch level) in order to define overtime, its scope, the terms of compensatory rest periods and the adjustment of w

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...