Victory Day in French Polynesia

A public holiday with sector-specific rules

French Polynesia’s Labour Code lists 8 May as “Victory Day 1945” among the territory’s public holidays. The Direction du travail explains that, apart from 1 May, a public holiday is not automatically a paid day off: it may be non-working under an employer’s decision, established practice, collective agreement or company agreement.[1][2]

The treatment of 8 May varies across sectors and collective agreements. The Direction du travail’s sector guide sets out different work and pay conditions, so employees should check their agreement or ask their employer whether their workplace closes and how work on the holiday is compensated.[2]

The holiday falls on 8 May each year.[1]

What Victory Day commemorates

Victory Day recalls the Allied victory over Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe. German representatives signed a surrender document in Berlin on 8 May 1945, and the cessation of fighting in Europe took effect that day.[3]

French Polynesia’s institutional records document ceremonies in Papeete, including a wreath-laying at the Monument aux Morts pour la France on Avenue Pouvanaa a Oopa. The local commemoration honours combatants and victims of the Second World War.[4]

What to expect on the day

The public-holiday designation does not guarantee that every workplace closes. The rules depend on the relevant sector and agreement, and some employers may operate on the holiday under their applicable arrangements.[1][2]

Check directly with the service or business you plan to use, and with your employer if you work that day.[1][2]