Labour Day in Wallis and Futuna
Labour Day is observed on 1 May in Wallis and Futuna. The territory’s labour law makes it a public holiday and a nonworking day, with specific protections for employees’ pay.[1]
A holiday set in territorial law
Article 120 bis of the labour law applicable in Wallis and Futuna states that 1 May is a public holiday and a nonworking day. The article was added by a 1993 law to the labour code established in 1952.[1]
The article specifies pay consequences when work stops: monthly, twice-monthly and weekly pay cannot be reduced because of the day off. Employees paid by the hour, day or output are entitled to compensation equal to the pay they lose.[1]
When work must continue
The law allows work to continue in establishments and services whose activities cannot be interrupted. Employees working in those circumstances are entitled to their normal pay for the work, plus an additional amount equal to that pay.[1]
This rule makes Labour Day more than a date on the calendar: it sets a specific employment and pay protection for the territory. The law names 1 May itself and does not set out a weekend substitute day in Article 120 bis.[1]
Meaning and local observance
The territorial law establishes the holiday’s local legal status and employment protections. It does not describe a Wallis and Futuna ceremony, customary meal or public event for the day, so those observances cannot be confirmed from this source.[1]
More broadly, the International Labour Organization describes 1 May as International Workers’ Day, associated with labour and solidarity, and traces it to workers’ struggles over working hours in the 1880s.[2]
Planning for the day
The law supports a day off for employees where work can stop, while providing a special pay rule for services that cannot interrupt work. It does not give a schedule for government counters, banks, shops or transport, so opening arrangements should be checked with the relevant service or business.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Labour Day a public holiday in Wallis and Futuna?
Yes. Article 120 bis defines 1 May as a public holiday and nonworking day in the territory.[1]
Do employees who work on 1 May receive extra pay?
Employees in services or establishments whose activity cannot stop are entitled to their usual pay for the work, plus an equal amount as an additional indemnity.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport services open?
The cited law does not specify opening hours or transport schedules. Check with the particular bank, business or transport provider before travelling.[1]
Is there a substitute day if 1 May falls on a weekend?
Article 120 bis specifies 1 May and does not provide for a substitute day when it falls on a weekend.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Wallis & Futuna:
- Article 120 bis - Loi n° 52-1322 du 15 décembre 1952 instituant un code du travail dans les territoires et territoires associés relevant des ministères de la France d'Outre-mer. - Légifrance- Légifrance
- May Day: The International Day of Labour: Day of labour and solidarity- International Labour Organization