Baguettes take centre stage on France's Labour Day
On France's Labour Day, the government supported bakeries and florists opening despite union opposition, highlighting a proposed bill to allow such businesses to operate with volunteer staff and double pay. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu publicly endorsed the move by purchasing baguettes, framing it as essential to social life. Unions criticized the move, warning it could erode workers' rights and set a precedent for broader erosion of the holiday's status.
- ▪Labour inspectors reported five bakers to authorities for operating on May 1, 2024, though all were later acquitted.
- ▪Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered baguettes in public to promote a bill exempting independent bakeries and florists from mandatory closure on Labour Day.
- ▪The proposed bill requires written employee consent and double wages for those working on May 1, but excludes other businesses like butchers and fishmongers.
- ▪Unions argue that employees cannot truly volunteer under job security pressures and warn of a slippery slope in weakening Labour Day protections.
- ▪Florists traditionally sell lily of the valley on May 1, a practice the government says should continue with proper worker protections.
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Baguettes take centre stage on France's Labour DaySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxLabour inspectors on the public holiday in 2024 reported five bakers to the authorities for operating.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 02, 2026, 12:45 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 12:45 AMPARIS - French bakeries sold crusty baguettes and flaky croissants with government backing Friday, defying labour unions arguing that May 1 should remain a day of compulsory rest.Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered several baguettes for lunch in front of the cameras in the village of Saint-Julien-Chapteuil in central France.“Let’s have several...
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.