France considers five-day annual climate leave policy
France proposes five days annual climate leave to shield workers from extreme heat.
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France Climate Leave Policy Proposal
Marine Tondelier, leader of France's Green Party, proposed a five-day annual paid climate leave policy to protect workers from extreme weather events, drawing inspiration from Spain's similar policy implemented in 2024.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 May, 12:08 UTC
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What happened
Current French regulation lacks clarity on climate work stoppages
France has an existing but vague decree regarding work stoppages due to climate events that does not specify temperature thresholds at which work should cease. When workers withdraw from work or businesses close due to climate constraints, this occurs without guaranteed paid leave compensation, effectively placing the burden on workers.
Spain implements four-day climate leave following deadly flooding
In 2024, following inundations that killed 230 people in southeastern Spain, the left-wing Spanish government approved a four-day paid climate leave, funded by the state. The leave was designed to prevent mandatory travel during alerts related to meteorological risks.
Marine Tondelier proposes five-day annual climate leave in France
Marine Tondelier, leader of the French Green Party (Les Écologistes), proposed the creation of a five-day paid climate leave per year. The leave would allow workers who cannot work remotely to remain home while receiving compensation when public authorities recommend or impose restrictions due to climate events such as extreme heat, flooding, or wildfires. Tondelier is a declared candidate for the 2027 French presidential election.
Four in ten French workers exposed to extreme heat annually
According to Tondelier, approximately 40 percent of workers in France are exposed to extreme heat conditions annually, highlighting the widespread need for climate-related workplace protections.
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