In Côte d'Ivoire, the Labor Code (Code du Travail) stipulates that employees who meet certain eligibility criteria are entitled to paid vacation leave, also known as annual leave.

Entitlement

According to Article 128.1 of the Labor Code, employees are entitled to two working days of paid annual leave for each month of actual service. This translates to approximately 24 working days of leave per year. Moreover, workers accumulate additional days based on their length of service:

• An extra 2 working days after 5 years of service.
• An additional 4 working days after 10 years of service.

Eligibility

All employees, regardless of their service duration, are entitled to annual leave as per the Labor Code.

Scheduling

The Labor Code stipulates that the timing of vacations should be mutually agreed upon by employers and employees. Employers should prioritize the rest and recuperation needs of the employee.

Compensation

Employees receive their regular wages during their annual leave period.

Important Considerations

Collective Agreements

Collective bargaining agreements may provide more generous vacation leave entitlements than the minimum requirements outlined in the Labor Code.

Record Keeping

Employers are obligated to keep accurate records of employees' vacation leave accrual and usage.

In Côte d'Ivoire, a variety of secular, religious (both Christian and Muslim), and historical holidays are observed throughout the year.

Secular Holidays

• New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Labor Day, on May 1st, honors workers' contributions to society.
• Independence Day, on August 7th, commemorates Côte d'Ivoire's independence from France in 1960.
• The National Day of Peace, on November 15th, promotes unity, peace, and reconciliation.

Christian Holidays

• Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday, celebrated by Christians.
• Ascension Day celebrates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven.
• Pentecost Monday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
• Assumption Day, on August 15th, commemorates the Virgin Mary's bodily assumption into heaven.
• All Saints' Day, on November 1st, honors saints and martyrs within the Christian faith.
• Christmas Day, on December 25th, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Muslim Holidays

• Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, has a date that varies depending on the lunar calendar.
• Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski or the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Its date also varies depending on the lunar calendar.
• Mawlid an-Nabi, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, also has a date that varies depending on the lunar calendar.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the Labor Code (Code du Travail) provides various leave provisions for employees.

Annual Leave

Employees become eligible for 2 working days of paid annual leave for each month of continuous service. This generally amounts to 24 working days annually. Workers gain seniority-based days at the rate of an additional 2 working days after 5 years of service and an additional 4 working days after 10 years of service. Leave accrues over time and cannot be taken all at once at the beginning of an employment period. Employers and employees should mutually agree upon vacation timing, considering the company's operational needs and the employee's preference for rest.

Sick Leave

The duration of paid sick leave depends on the employee's length of service. For those with less than 6 months of service, there is no guaranteed paid sick leave, though employers may provide leave at their discretion. For those with 6-12 months of service, up to 25% of wages are covered for sickness-related absences. For those with over 1 year of service, full pay is provided for the first month, and half pay for the following two months. Generally, a medical certificate is required to substantiate sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, typically 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. This is available to women who have been employed for at least six months.

Other Types of Leave

Employees may be granted a short leave period in the event of the death of a close family member. The Labor Code does not explicitly specify bereavement leave, but it may be covered under special personal leave provisions. Employees may also be allowed time off for significant family events, such as marriages, births, or other important ceremonies. In some circumstances, employees may negotiate unpaid leave with their employers.

Important Notes

The Labor Code of Côte d'Ivoire is the primary source for information on leave entitlements. Always consult the most updated version of the Labor Code or seek advice from a qualified legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance. Collective bargaining agreements may provide for more generous leave benefits than those mandated by the Labor Code.