Réforme des 35 heures en France: History, Status & Future

Few workplace policies in France stir as much debate as the 35-hour work week. Since its introduction in the late 1990s, the reform has shaped how millions of employees clock in and out—and now, with three decades of hindsight, the question is whether it still fits a country facing labor shortages, a growing four-day week movement, and political calls to tear it up. Here’s where the 35 hours stand in 2025, what’s actually changing, and what it all means for workers and employers.

Year of first Aubry law for large firms: 2000 ·
Year of second Aubry law for all firms: 2002 ·
Reduction from previous legal weekly hours: 39 to 35 ·
Overtime pay rate (standard): 25% extra ·
Proposal to abolish by Gérald Darmanin (2024): Yes

Here are the key metrics defining France’s 35-hour framework.

What are the dates of the 35-hour law in France?

The road to 35 hours began earlier than many recall. In 1981, François Mitterrand campaigned on a 35-hour promise, but upon election only managed to cut the legal work week from 40 to 39 hours. (Wikipédia) The real breakthrough came under Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and his labor minister Martine Aubry. Two landmark laws—Loi Aubry I and Loi Aubry II—turned the 35-hour week from a slogan into a binding rule.

Under which president were the 35 hours introduced?

The reform was passed under President Jacques Chirac (center-right) but driven by the Jospin government. (HAL-SHS) Martine Aubry, Minister of Social Affairs, spearheaded the legislation. (HAL-SHS)

• Loi Aubry I passed June 13, 1998 – offered incentives for companies adopting 35 hours early. (Maxicours)
• Loi Aubry II passed January 2000 – made 35 hours mandatory for firms with >20 employees by 2002, all firms by 2003 (later adjusted to 2002). (RTL)

Is France going to abolish the 35-hour week?

In 2024, then Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin proposed ending the 35-hour week for state employees, arguing it would modernize the public sector. (RTL) The proposal sparked intense debate but no legislation has passed as of early 2025. Critics say the reform increased labor costs roughly 11% and hurt French competitiveness compared to Germany’s Hartz reforms. (RTL) Supporters argue the law protected jobs and improved work-life balance.

Why not abolish the 35-hour week?

Opponents of abolition point to widespread employer flexibility already embedded in the system overtime exemptions, annualized hours, and company agreements negotiated since 2003. (HAL-SHS) Moreover, the 35-hour week enjoys broad public support; any government trying to scrap it faces a major political battle. The trade-off: abolition could boost productivity but risk a rupture with unionized workers.

What will change for civil servants in 2026?

A 2025 law introduces flexibility for civil servants: they may opt for a 4-day week or reduced hours, but not total abolition of the 35-hour baseline. The changes aim to improve recruitment and retention in public services. Impact on pensions and overtime pay is still under discussion. (Wikipédia) The goal is to make public sector jobs more attractive amid recruitment shortages. Instead of full abolition, local experiments with flexible hours will test new scheduling models. (Wikipédia) The changes will likely affect pensions and overtime pay, but details remain under negotiation.

Is it possible to work 35 hours over 4 days?

Yes, under certain conditions. Employees can schedule 35 hours across four days—working about 8.75 hours per day—if a collective agreement or employer accord allows it. Two mandatory rest protections apply: a daily rest of at least 11 consecutive hours, and a weekly rest of at least 35 consecutive hours (or 24 hours plus Sunday). (Maxicours)

What are the disadvantages of a 4-day week?

Longer workdays (8.75 hours) can increase fatigue and reduce family time, especially for parents. Productivity gains are debated; some sectors like retail and healthcare struggle to implement four-day schedules. Without strong collective bargaining, employers may impose schedules that benefit the company more than the worker. (RTL)

Is it mandatory to have 2 days of rest per week?

No. French law requires a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest (usually Sunday) plus 11 hours daily rest. Two full days off are not compulsory but common in collective agreements. (HAL-SHS)

Can the employer refuse an 80% position?

An 80% position (also called 4/5th schedule) means working 28 hours per week at 80% of full-time pay. French law allows employees to request part-time work, but the employer can refuse if the request does not meet company needs or if a collective agreement permits refusal. (Maxicours) The worker must submit a written request; the employer must respond within two months. A refusal must be justified by objective reasons, and the employee may challenge it in labor court.

How to request a 4/5th schedule from your employer?

1. Write a formal letter or email stating your request for an 80% position, specifying the desired working hours and days.
2. Send it to your HR department or direct manager with a request for a meeting to discuss feasibility.
3. Allow the employer two months to respond with a written decision.
4. If refused, ask for a written justification. If the reason seems weak, consult a union representative or labor lawyer about challenging the refusal.

What are the disadvantages of a 4-day week?

The 4-day week is often celebrated as a work-life balance win, but the French context reveals several downsides. Longer daily hours compress childcare arrangements and after-school activities. Some studies question whether productivity truly increases across all sectors — retail and hospitality, for example, see little gain. (RTL) Implementation often depends on employer goodwill rather than a strong legal framework.

The implication: The 4-day week offers clear lifestyle benefits but forces trade-offs in daily energy and sector-wide applicability that workers must weigh carefully.

What will change for civil servants in 2026?

A 2025 law introduces experimentation: civil servants can negotiate a 4-day week or adjust their weekly hours within the 35-hour framework. The goal is to make public sector jobs more attractive amid recruitment shortages. No full abolition; instead, local experiments with flexible hours. (Wikipédia) The changes will likely affect pensions and overtime pay, but details remain under negotiation.

The pattern: France is testing local flexibility for public employees rather than dismantling the 35-hour framework — a pragmatic middle path that avoids a political rupture.

Timeline signal

• 1980s-1990s: Average working week around 39-40 hours; debates on reducing working time.
• 1998: First Aubry law (Loi Aubry I) passed: sets 35-hour target. (Maxicours)
• 2000: First Aubry law takes effect for companies with >20 employees. (RTL)
• 2002: Second Aubry law (Loi Aubry II) extends 35 hours to all companies. (Wikipédia)
• 2003-2010: Multiple reforms allow overtime exemptions and increase flexibility. (HAL-SHS)
• 2017: Macron government loosens restrictions on overtime and company agreements.
• 2024: Gérald Darmanin proposes abolition of 35-hour week for state workers. (RTL)
• 2026: Planned changes for civil servants: optional 4-day week, flexible hours.

Quotes

The 35-hour reform is a societal reform to improve work-life balance and reduce unemployment.

— Lionel Jospin, former Prime Minister (RTL)

Ending the 35-hour week for state workers would modernize the state and improve public services.

— Gérald Darmanin, former Interior Minister (RTL)

Summary

The 35-hour work week is not disappearing in France, but it is evolving. For workers, the opportunity to compress hours into four days or request an 80% schedule offers real flexibility, provided they navigate formal procedures. For employers, the challenge is to balance productivity with employee demands. For civil servants, the 2026 changes signal a shift toward customization, not abolition. The debate over the 35-hour reform is far from over, but the next chapter will be written in collective agreements, not grand legislative gestures. Workers and employers alike must understand the existing rules — those who do not risk being left behind by the next wave of labor market change.

Related reading: **What Is the Minimum Wage in Ireland? 2026 Rates €14.15/Hour** · **Meilleurs Livres Sur Les Finances – Essential Reads for 2025**

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