France Proposes Working Two Public Holidays Without Extra Pay in 2026 Budget

In a controversial move, the French government has proposed that workers will be required to work on two public holidays without receiving additional pay as part of the 2026 budget. This proposal has ignited a significant backlash from labor unions, who are preparing to challenge the decision vehemently.

Franck Bouaziz, an economics journalist for Libération, reported that this budgetary measure aims to generate substantial savings, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to manage the national budget amidst economic challenges. The specific public holidays affected have not yet been disclosed, but officials suggest this could affect both traditional holidays and those that are nationally recognized.

The government, under increasing pressure to balance the budget while addressing the rising costs of living, believes that this move could release financial resources for other priority areas. However, this strategy has raised concerns among labor groups and workers’ rights advocates, who argue that working on public holidays without extra compensation undermines labor standards and could lead to worker exploitation.

Unions, incensed by the proposal, are reportedly organizing rallies and discussions to mobilize workers for upcoming protests. They view the measure not only as an attack on holiday pay but also as part of a broader trend of diminishing workers' rights in France. With a history of strong labor movements in the country, union leaders are adamant that they will resist any attempts to alter the existing structures of worker remuneration.

Reaction from the government indicates a firm stance on the necessity for these measures, while unions are preparing to escalate their response through various channels, including legal action if necessary. As the August deadline approaches for finalizing the budget, all eyes will be on the negotiations between government officials and union representatives to see if a compromise can be reached.

Currently, the government remains resolute about moving forward with its proposed plan, insisting that it is a crucial step towards sustaining economic health as France grapples with financial pressures.