French Government Backs Bill Allowing Bakeries to Open on May 1 Holiday Despite Union Opposition

French bakeries sold crusty baguettes and flaky croissants on May 1, 2026, with government backing, defying labor unions that argued the day should remain a sacred period of compulsory rest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited a bakery in Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, south-central France, on May 1, 2026, where he ordered several baguettes in front of cameras. "Let's have several...

At least four," Lecornu said, as he sought to promote a new bill to exempt independent bakeries and flower shops from mandatory rest on May 1. The cabinet put forward the bill on Wednesday in 2026 to allow bakeries and florists to open on May 1, requiring employees to volunteer in writing and be paid double wages.

The government encouraged bakers to work on May 1 earlier this week in 2026, stating they were indispensable to the continuity of social life.

It also stated florists should open on May 1 to sell lily of the valley, traditionally sold on Labor Day in France. Under French law, May 1 is a public holiday and a non-working day. Essential services such as hospitals and hotels can remain open on May 1 but must pay staff double wages under French law.

Police reported 158,000 people joined May Day activities across France on May 1, 2026. The interior ministry reported 15 people were arrested on May 1, 2026. The CGT union reported 300,000 people took part in May Day activities on May 1, 2026.

Labor inspectors reported five bakers to authorities for operating on May 1, 2024. The five bakers reported in 2024 were hauled before a court. The five bakers reported in 2024 were all acquitted last year.

CGT leader Sophie Binet criticized employers who feel entitled to open businesses and make staff work on May 1, even though it's not allowed. "The government must ensure that the law and the rule of law are upheld," Binet said. She added that the public holiday was not her chief concern, stating, "It's not the stealing of May 1 that should be on parliament's agenda.

The bill has yet to go to a vote in parliament. The government decided not to back a previous proposal for more businesses including butchers and fishmongers to open on the public holiday. Unions argue that no employee is truly free to volunteer when seeking to keep a work contract and fear exceptions will gradually become the rule.