Introduction to French labor law
Labor law in France is a set of legal rules that govern relations between employers and employees. It defines the rights and duties of each party, with the aim of protecting the employee.
It includes aspects such as working hours, minimum wage, paid holidays, employment contracts, working conditions, protection against unfair dismissal, trade union rights and much more.
Key points for German workers in France
Here are some key points from French labor law German workers need to know:
- Employment contract: An employment contract can be permanent (CDI), fixed-term (CDD) or temporary. It defines working conditions, salary and other benefits.
- Working time: The legal working time in France is 35 hours per week. Any work performed beyond this duration is considered overtime and must be remunerated accordingly.
- Minimum wage: The minimum wage in France is called SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance). In 2023, it is 11,52 euros gross per hour.
- Paid leave: Workers in France are entitled to 5 weeks of paid leave per year.
- Dismissal: Employers in France cannot dismiss an employee without just cause. In the event of dismissal, the employee is entitled to notice and severance pay.
- Social protection: Workers in France benefit from social protection, particularly in terms of health, retirement and unemployment insurance.
French labor law aims to balance rights and the duties of employers and employees. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these rules before starting to work in France.
