Generally stimulating because it heralds a new life, a move is also a time-consuming and tiring operation. Between the search for accommodation, the administrative formalities to be completed, the preparation of boxes, the loading of vehicles, the transport and moving back into place... several weeks of work await you. So a day off is always welcome for a move. But is it provided for by law? If so, who is entitled to it, and under what conditions? And how do you know if you're entitled to it? We take a look at the rules governing time off during a move, to help you prepare for D-Day with complete peace of mind.
Is there such a thing as a legal day off for moving?
Let's get one thing straight: the French Labor Code does not provide for the granting of days off for moving house. This rule applies to both the private and public sectors.
Rest assured, however, that the absence of legal leave for relocation does not mean that it is not possible to benefit from a day's leave when moving house. An employee or public servant may, in fact, be granted one or more days' leave free of charge under a collective agreement, company agreement or customary practice.
So it's fair to say that time off for moving does exist, even if not everyone can take advantage of it!
How do you know if you're entitled to time off for your move?
Since there is no legal entitlement to time off for moving, you need to refer to your collective or company agreement to find out if you have such rights. Don't hesitate to ask your employer or employee representatives for information and to find out how you can benefit.
Consult your collective or company agreement
More advantageous than the French Labor Code, collective bargaining agreements sometimes grant additional days of paid leave to the employees concerned. For example, Pôle Emploi's national collective agreement grants 3 days' paid leave to any member of staff moving house. The national collective bargaining agreement for the banking sector, for its part, grants 2 additional days' paid leave to its employees in connection with a move. As you can see, conditions vary from one collective agreement to another.
In the absence of a collective agreement, your establishment may have negotiated a company agreement that also provides for the allocation of days off for a move. This is often the case in large national companies. In all cases, be sure to check the clauses governing the granting of special leave, which may be conditional on specific criteria, such as being transferred, for example.
Find out about current practices at your facility
In the public sector, it is more often customary practice that determines whether an employee can be absent from work during a move. Each administration sets its own rules. You'll need to find out for yourself. The easiest way is to consult your human resources department or employee representatives, to find out whether you are entitled to specific days of leave when you move house.
What if you're not entitled to special leave for your move?
If your collective bargaining agreement, company agreement or customary practice doesn't stipulate it, there's nothing to stop you from requesting one or more days of paid vacation to make the move. You'll have fewer days off for your vacations, but you'll be able to carry out your move in good conditions.
In this case, don't wait until the last moment to apply for leave! Your employer has the right to refuse your leave for organizational reasons. The earlier you inform management of your plans to move, the more likely you are to be able to take time off on the big day.
What rules apply when you take a day off to move?
Whether your employer grants you a free day off to relocate, or you are obliged to take a paid day off, you need to have permission to be absent. Apply for leave in due form, and comply with all requests for supporting documents, to make sure you receive your benefits.
As part of a notice to move, you may be asked to provide a copy of your mover's estimate, vehicle rental contract or lease agreement. Find out beforehand, so you don't have to chase after these documents. Once the move has taken place, you'll undoubtedly have plenty of other things to do!
Why ask for time off to move?
After all, you can do as the vast majority of people who move on Saturdays do. You'll always have Sunday to rest or unpack! Yes, that's one solution.
But did you know that the cost of a move is cheaper during the week if you call in the professionals? In this case, taking a day off for the move will enable you to pay your mover less, while keeping your weekend free to put your things away and enjoy your free time as you please.
If you have children, you can avoid having to keep them occupied during the day while they're at school. You kill two birds with one stone. It's definitely worth looking into!
You now have all the information you need to find out if you're entitled to specific days off for your move. All that's left is for you to find out from your company and apply for the time off. If you're planning a move and are considering the possibility of using the services of professionals, don't hesitate to contact Les Gentlemen du Déménagement. We'll be happy to draw up a quote to suit your needs, whether you're moving on weekdays or weekends.