Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Reunion
In Reunion, French labor laws dictate that all employees, regardless of their contract type or industry, are entitled to 2.5 working days of paid vacation leave for every month of work. This equates to a total of 30 working days, or five full weeks, of paid vacation every year. These entitlements are outlined in the French Labour Code, specifically Articles L3141-3 to L3141-23.
In some cases, based on specific collective agreements or company policies, employees may be eligible for additional vacation days. This is often dependent on their length of service within the company.
The scheduling of vacation periods is typically a matter of negotiation between the employer and the employee. This ensures that the operational needs of the company are met while also allowing the employee to take their vacation. Employers are required to approve a minimum of 12 consecutive working days of vacation between May 1st and October 31st each year.
It's worth noting that vacation entitlements in Reunion are significantly more generous than in many other countries, including the United States. Some companies may offer even more advantageous vacation policies. Therefore, it's always advisable to check your specific employment contract for details on your vacation entitlements.
Reunion, a French overseas territory, observes a mix of French national holidays and local commemorative dates.
Please note that specific dates for variable holidays change annually.
In France, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own specific rules and regulations.
Employees are entitled to 2.5 working days of paid leave per month worked. This means employees generally accrue 30 working days (or 5 weeks) of paid leave annually. This is based on Article L3141-3 of the French Labor Code (Code du travail).
After one year of service, employees become eligible for sick leave. The duration of the sick leave and the salary compensation depend on your length of service and terms outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. This is governed by Articles L1226-1, D1226-1 to D1226-6 of the French Labor Code.
The standard duration for maternity leave depends on the number of children the mother already has. Generally, it's 16 weeks total, divided into prenatal and postnatal leave. Leave duration can extend for multiple births or health complications. This is outlined in Articles L1225-17 to L1225-28 of the French Labor Code.
Fathers and second parents are entitled to 28 days of paternity leave, including 11 consecutive calendar days. This is based on Articles L1225-35 and L1225-36 of the French Labor Code.
Parental leave is available to parents after the birth or adoption of a child. Duration depends on the number of children, with a maximum allowance of up to three years. Leave may be taken full-time or part-time. This is governed by Articles L1225-47 to L1225-61 of the French Labor Code.
Employees are entitled to bereavement leave in the event of the death of a child, spouse/partner, or parent. Duration varies depending on the relationship to the deceased. Collective bargaining agreements often define the specifics, but Articles L3142-1 to L3142-5 of the French Labor Code provide a general framework.
There are additional specialized types of leave that may be available:
Many sectors and companies have collective bargaining agreements that define specific rules and may offer more favorable terms than the legal minimums.
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