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Saint Barthelemy

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Saint Barthelemy

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Holiday leave

In Saint Barthélemy, a French overseas collectivity, the labor laws of France are followed. This includes vacation leave entitlements as outlined in the French Labour Code (Code du travail).

Minimum Vacation Leave

Full-time employees are entitled to 2.5 working days of paid vacation leave for each month worked. This is according to Article L3141-3 of the French Labour Code. This translates to 30 working days of leave per year, or roughly 25 calendar days based on a typical workweek.

The leave entitlement is calculated based on a reference period from June 1st of the previous year to May 31st of the current year. This is as per Article L3141-10 of the French Labour Code.

Additional Considerations

Some industries or companies in Saint Barthélemy may have collective bargaining agreements. These agreements may offer more favorable leave provisions than the legal minimum.

Employees accrue vacation leave throughout the year. The scheduling of this leave should be agreed upon between the employer and employee. This agreement should consider the company's operational needs.

Unused vacation leave can generally be carried over to the following year. However, specific limitations and guidelines may apply.

Public holidays

Saint Barthélemy, an overseas collectivity of France, observes a combination of French national holidays and local commemorative days.

National French Holidays

  • New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the new year.
  • Easter Monday: This is the day following Easter Sunday, and its date varies.
  • Labour Day (May 1st): This day celebrates the contributions of workers and labor rights.
  • Victory in Europe Day (May 8th): This day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
  • Ascension Day: This day occurs 40 days after Easter, and its date varies.
  • Whit Monday: Also known as Pentecost Monday, this day occurs 50 days after Easter, and its date varies.
  • Bastille Day (July 14th): This is France's National Day, which marks the storming of the Bastille.
  • Assumption Day (August 15th): This is a Catholic holiday that marks the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
  • All Saints' Day (November 1st): This is a Catholic holiday that honors all saints.
  • Armistice Day (November 11th): This day commemorates the end of World War I.
  • Christmas Day (December 25th): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Local Holidays

  • Abolition of Slavery Day (October 9th): This day commemorates the abolition of slavery in Saint Barthélemy in 1847.

Other Noteworthy Days

  • Saint Barthélemy Day (August 24th): Although this day is significant on the island, it is not an official public holiday.
  • Additional holidays: Some religious holidays may be observed by certain segments of the population, but they are not official public holidays for everyone.

Types of leave

In Saint Barthélemy, a French overseas collectivity, employees are entitled to various types of leave provisions as outlined in the French Labour Code (Code du travail).

Mandatory Leave

  • Annual Vacation Leave: Employees earn 2.5 working days of paid vacation leave per month worked. This equates to 30 working days per year, or roughly 25 calendar days.

  • Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to paid sick leave upon presentation of a medical certificate. The duration and coverage of sick leave depend on factors such as seniority and the severity of the illness.

  • Maternity Leave: Female employees are granted a minimum of 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, usually divided into prenatal and postnatal periods.

  • Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to 11 consecutive days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child. This period can be extended to 18 days in the case of multiple births.

  • Parental Leave: Parents are entitled to unpaid parental leave to care for a child under three years old. The duration and terms may vary depending on circumstances.

Additional Leave Options

  • Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave in the case of the death of a close relative, with the duration depending on the relationship.

  • Family Leave: Various types of leave are available for specific family situations, such as caring for a sick child or attending family-related events.

  • Sabbatical Leave: Employees may have the option to take unpaid sabbatical leave for personal or professional development, subject to conditions and agreements with their employer.

Key Considerations

  • Collective bargaining agreements within specific industries or companies may offer additional leave provisions.
  • French labor laws are comprehensive and may provide other forms of leave for special circumstances.
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