The Senate on Tuesday adopted a bill authorizing voluntary work by employees of artisanal bakeries and florists on May 1.
The bill, introduced by Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, passed 229 votes to 110. It allows artisanal bakers and florists to employ voluntary workers on that day provided a sector agreement sets the terms, with double pay maintained.
The measure addresses legal uncertainty stemming from a 2006 Court of Cassation ruling. Only essential services such as hospitals and transport had previously been permitted to operate on May 1.
The center-right majority welcomed the step as common sense. The left and unions described it as a breach that could lead to further social rollbacks. The text now moves to the National Assembly, with a target for final adoption before May 1, 2027.
