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.

Additional Vacation Days

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.

Vacation Leave Usage

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.

Important Considerations

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.

Nationally Observed Holidays

• New Year's Day (Jour de l'An): Celebrated on January 1st.
• Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques): The date varies as it is the day after Easter Sunday.
• Labor Day (Fête du Travail): Observed on May 1st.
• Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945): Celebrated on May 8th.
• Ascension Day (Ascension): The date varies, it is 40 days after Easter.
• Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte): The date varies, it is 50 days after Easter.
• Bastille Day (Fête Nationale): Celebrated on July 14th.
• Assumption of Mary (Assomption): Observed on August 15th.
• All Saints' Day (Toussaint): Celebrated on November 1st.
• Armistice Day (Armistice 1918): Observed on November 11th.
• Christmas Day (Noël): Celebrated on December 25th.

Locally Observed Holidays

• Abolition of Slavery Day (Fête Cafre): Celebrated on December 20th.

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.

Annual Paid Leave (Congés Payés Annuels)

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).

Sick Leave (Congés Maladie)

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.

Maternity Leave (Congé Maternité)

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.

Paternity Leave (Congé Paternité)

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 (Congé Parental d’éducation)

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.

Bereavement Leave

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.

Other Types of Leave

There are additional specialized types of leave that may be available:

• Leave for Family Events (Congés pour événements familiaux): Covers events like marriage, civil partnerships, or serious illness of a child.
• Sabbatical Leave (Congé Sabbatique): For professional development or personal projects.
• Leave for Starting a Business (Congé pour Création d'Entreprise): Supports employees wanting to establish their own business.

Many sectors and companies have collective bargaining agreements that define specific rules and may offer more favorable terms than the legal minimums.