The active population in figures

Working conditions

Legal weekly duration

35 hours

Retirement age

65 years of age, but as soon as the employee has paid enough into the compulsory retirement scheme, he can leave his work any time after age 60.

Working contracts

The permanent contract (CDI) is the type of contract which is most often used.
The fixed-term contract (CDD) makes it possible to resort to temporary workers.
The Contrat Nouvelle Embauche (New Hiring Contract) is a new form of CDI where the rules for breach of contract are more flexible during the first two years in exchange for the payment of an indemnity of 10%.

Cost of labor

Minimum wage

The minimum wage is EUR 8.44 an hour.

Average wage

In 2005, the average annual wage for men was EUR 24,446 and for women EUR 19, 818.

Social contributions

Social security contributions paid by employers: 42% to 45% (the employer pays the contributions to be free of his commitments regarding sickness, retirement and unemployment).
Social security contributions paid by employees: 22%

Social partners

Social dialogue and involvement of social partners

In France negotiations take place at the national level, at the level of sectors of activity and at the company level.

Unions

The CGT, general labor confederation
The CFDT, French democratic labor confederation (in French)
FO, workers' union
The CFTC, French Christian workers' confederation
The CFE-CGC, management confederation-general confederation of managers
The UNSA, national union of autonomous unions
The Solidaires trade union

Unionization rate

Today 8% of French employees belong to a union, that is twice fewer than 25 years ago. And yet the unions remain strong and active.

Labor regulation bodies

The Ministry of Employment