May 1st and Lily of the Valley: An Absurd Situation for Florists?
May 1st Marks Potential Legalization of Mulberry Sales for Florists?
Ah, May 1st! The day of labor solidarity, International Workers' Day, and lily of the valley. But here's the kicker: florists can't join the fun due to the Labor Code. That's right, while you can freely peddle those lucky white bells on the street, florists are left twisting in the wind. The French Federation of Florists (FFAF) isn't too thrilled about this "absurd" situation.
So, why can't florists work on May 1st? Well, it's simple: it's a public holiday, baby! Work on this day is off-limits for the vast majority of us, unless we're in essential sectors (hello, healthcare and transportation!). Florists, like bakers, don't score a special exemption. This means that, while your employer can open up shop, they can't make their employees work, risking some hefty fines if they do.
You might be wondering, "What's up with that exception for street vendors selling lily of the valley?" Yep, you got it! Folks can sell lily of the valley on public streets, as long as they follow a few guidelines. The floral profession often views this as a unfair competition, since street vendors get to ignore the usual controls and sanctions that apply to them. "Strict application of the rural code," they say!
In recent years, labor inspections have been on the rise, leading to fines for florists who dared to sell their wares on May 1st. The FFAF is alarmed by this growing legal insecurity and fears that inspections will only multiply. In the current economic climate, where a significant number of employees are eager to earn double on May 1st, this could spell trouble for florists, who argue that they should be able to operate if their employees volunteer to work.
A reform could be on the horizon, though! Some senators have proposed a law that would allow establishments already open on Sundays to also open on May 1st. This revision of the Labor Code is welcomed by the Minister of Labor, who is pleased to see senators working on this proposed law. If adopted, this change would provide much-needed clarity for florists and potentially eliminate those pesky labor inspections.
So there you have it—the absurd situation of street vendors selling lily of the valley on May 1st while florists sit on the sidelines. The fight for equality is far from over, as this reform might not take effect until 2026. But for now, beware those labor inspectors, you lily-of-the-valley hucksters!
Sources:1. ^ https://www.leparisien.fr/info/loi-travail-may-1st-ne-serait-plus-interdit-a-les-commerces-ouverts-dimanche-23-04-2023-BNXGCRPVTHXA2SLWK7XZC2QXPM.php2. ^ https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/travail-emploi/3. ^ https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualites-france/2024/03/27/19002-20240327ARTFIG00722-le-muguet-un-droit-de-vendre-ou-de-renfermer-l-affaire-est-fermee.php4. ^ https://www.claudiofrancois.com/blog/competition-prevue-des-street-vendors-de-muguet-encore-interdit-aux-floristeries/
- The French Federation of Florists (FFAF) is unhappy about the ongoing prohibition for florists to work on May 1st, which symbolizes labor solidarity, due to the Labor Code, despite street vendors being allowed to sell lily of the valley, signifying an unfair competition.
- If adopted, a proposed law revising the Labor Code could allow establishments open on Sundays to also open on May 1st, possibly eliminating the inconvenience florists face from labor inspections and providing clarity for the floral industry.
- This incongruity in policy-and-legislation, where street vendors can sell lily of the valley on May 1st but florists remain restricted, represents a contentious issue in politics and general news.
- The ongoing debate over the rights of florists to work on May 1st reflects the valley between the wishes of the FFAF and the current legal exemption granted to street vendors, as well as its implications for the florists' livelihood and the fairness of the enforcement of the Labor Code.
