In Martinique, an overseas department of France, the labor laws for vacation leave are in line with French regulations. Employees accrue 2.5 working days of paid leave per month of effective work. A "month of effective work" is any month the employee has worked, regardless of the number of days. After a reference period of 12 months, typically from June 1st of the previous year to May 31st of the current year, employees are entitled to a full year's allocation of leave (30 days).

Leave Accrual

Employees accrue 2.5 working days of paid leave per month of effective work. A "month of effective work" is any month the employee has worked, regardless of the number of days. After a reference period of 12 months, typically from June 1st of the previous year to May 31st of the current year, employees are entitled to a full year's allocation of leave (30 days).

Vacation Scheduling

The vacation leave schedule is generally determined by employers, but they should consider the employee's preferences when possible. At least one continuous 12-day vacation period must be included between June 1st and October 31st. However, employers and employees can negotiate different vacation scheduling arrangements if provided for in collective agreements.

Special Provisions

There are some special provisions to consider. Some collective agreements may grant employees additional days of leave based on seniority or specific circumstances. Vacation leave can be split into shorter periods, but the employee must take at least 12 consecutive working days at some point during the leave year. In principle, paid leave must be taken during the leave year. However, under specific conditions, unused leave may be carried over to the following year with the employer's agreement.

Martinique, an overseas region of France, celebrates a mix of French national holidays and holidays unique to the island's history and culture.

French National Holidays

• New Year's Day (Jour de l'an): Celebrated on January 1st.
• Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques): The date varies annually.
• Labor Day (Fête du Travail): Celebrated on May 1st.
• Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire): Celebrated on May 8th.
• Ascension Day (Ascension): The date varies annually.
• Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte): The date varies annually.
• Bastille Day (Fête Nationale): Celebrated on July 14th.
• Assumption Day (Assomption): Celebrated on August 15th.
• All Saints' Day (Toussaint): Celebrated on November 1st.
• Armistice Day (Armistice): Celebrated on November 11th.
• Christmas Day (Noël): Celebrated on December 25th.

Martinique Specific Holidays

• Abolition of Slavery Day (Abolition de l'Esclavage): Celebrated on May 22nd, this day marks the end of slavery in Martinique in 1848.
• Schoelcher Day (Fête Victor Schœlcher): Celebrated on July 21st, this day honors Victor Schœlcher, a key figure in the abolition of slavery in the French colonies.

Other Notable Celebrations

• Carnival (Carnaval): This is a vibrant, multi-day celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday. It features parades, costumes, and music.

Employees in Martinique are entitled to various types of leave.

Annual Leave (Congés Payés)

Employees are entitled to 30 working days (5 weeks) of paid annual leave in a reference year running from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. This leave is prorated for partial work years.

Maternity Leave (Congé de Maternité)

Maternity leave is generally 16 weeks for a first or second child, and 26 weeks for a third or subsequent child. This leave can be extended in cases of multiple births or medical complications.

Paternity Leave (Congé de Paternité et d'accueil de l'enfant)

Fathers are entitled to 11 consecutive days of paternity leave for a single birth, and 18 days for multiple births. This can be extended in specific circumstances.

Sick Leave (Congé de Maladie)

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave after a waiting period, with the length and compensation depending on seniority and circumstances. Medical certification is required.

Leave for Family Events (Congés pour événements familiaux)

Employees are entitled to short leaves of absence for specific family events including:

• Child's birth: 3 days
• Marriage or civil union (PACS): 4 days
• Child's marriage: 1 day
• Death of a close family member: Varies depending on the relationship

Other Types of Leave

Martinique labor law provides for additional types of leave which may be available depending on circumstances or negotiated within collective agreements or individual contracts. These include:

• Parental Leave (Congé Parental d'Éducation): For caring for a young child.
• Sabbatical Leave (Congé Sabbatique): For extended personal or professional development.
• Adoption Leave (Congé d'Adoption): Time off in the case of adoption.

Important Considerations

Employers in Martinique are legally obligated to provide paid leave as outlined above. Specific eligibility requirements and procedures may exist for some types of leave. Collective agreements between unions and employers may sometimes provide more generous leave benefits for individual sectors or companies.