Reunion, as an overseas region of France, adheres to French labor laws regarding vacation and leave policies. These regulations provide a framework for employee entitlements, ensuring a balance between work and personal time. Understanding these policies is crucial for employers operating in Reunion to maintain compliance and foster a positive work environment.
Navigating the intricacies of leave entitlements in Reunion requires careful attention to detail. The following sections outline the key aspects of vacation leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of permissible leave, providing a comprehensive overview for employers and employees alike.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Reunion are entitled to paid annual leave, accruing at a rate of 2.5 working days per month of actual work. This equates to a total of 30 working days, or five weeks, of paid vacation leave per year.
- Accrual: 2.5 working days per month of actual work.
- Total Entitlement: 30 working days (5 weeks) per year.
- Carryover: While generally leave should be taken within a specified period, arrangements for carryover may be possible under certain conditions, subject to employer agreement.
- Payment: Employees receive their regular salary during vacation leave.
Public Holidays
Reunion observes several public holidays throughout the year. While the exact dates may vary, the following are typically observed:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Victory Day | May 8 |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Monday | Varies |
| National Day | July 14 |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| Armistice Day | November 11 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Employees are generally entitled to a day off on public holidays. Working on a public holiday may entitle employees to additional compensation or time off in lieu, as per collective agreements or company policy.
Sick Leave
Employees who are unable to work due to illness are entitled to sick leave. To qualify, employees must provide a medical certificate from a registered doctor within 48 hours of the commencement of the illness.
- Eligibility: Requires a medical certificate.
- Notification: Employee must notify the employer within 48 hours.
- Compensation: Compensation during sick leave is determined by collective agreements or company policy, and may involve a waiting period before payments commence. Social Security payments may supplement employer contributions.
Parental Leave
Reunion follows French regulations regarding parental leave, offering both maternity and paternity leave.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: The duration of maternity leave depends on the number of children already in the household:
- First and second child: 16 weeks (6 weeks before the expected due date and 10 weeks after).
- Third or subsequent child: 26 weeks (8 weeks before the expected due date and 18 weeks after).
- Multiple births: 34 weeks for twins, 46 weeks for triplets or more.
- Compensation: During maternity leave, employees typically receive daily allowances from the French social security system, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Paternity leave is available to the father following the birth of a child. The standard duration is 25 calendar days. In the case of multiple births, this extends to 32 calendar days.
- Mandatory Leave: A mandatory period of 7 days of paternity leave must be taken immediately following the birth of the child.
- Compensation: Similar to maternity leave, paternity leave is compensated through daily allowances from the social security system.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is available to employees who adopt a child. The length of adoption leave varies depending on the number of children in the household:
- Entitlement:
- 16 weeks if the employee has less than two children.
- 18 weeks if the employee already has two or more children.
- 22 weeks for multiple adoptions.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in Reunion may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on collective agreements, company policy, and specific circumstances. These may include:
- Bereavement Leave: Granted in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration varies depending on the relationship.
- Marriage Leave: Leave granted to employees upon getting married.
- Study Leave: May be available for employees pursuing further education or training relevant to their job.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer periods of unpaid leave may be granted at the employer's discretion.
- Leave for Family Events: Special leave may be granted for events such as a child's wedding or other significant family occasions.
It is important for employers to consult with legal counsel and relevant collective agreements to ensure compliance with all applicable leave regulations in Reunion.
