Every year, the Day of Solidarity rekindles the debates, a little like a storm announced as the deadline approaches: we measure the weight of a day worked without pay, between pinching and helping, for people often set aside. The Monday of Pentecost imposes itself as the appointment in which each employee must, willingly, make thissolidarity gesturein favour of autonomy for the most vulnerable, while rules and ways to organise often differ from one company to another. Between avoidance strategies, special situations and risk of punishment for forgetfulness, succeeding in seeing it clear in 2025 looks like a balancing exercise, shared between professional obligations and national solidarity.
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Solidarity Day 2025: all about the key date, what it really is, and what it might be forgotten
A simple principle: one day for autonomy, but not for oneself
Solidarity Day is a typical French idea, born of an emergency: after the heatwave of 2003, which took away nearly 20,000 elderly or fragile people, it was necessary to react. From 2004 onwards, each person adds: an extra day of work in the year, without any additional remuneration. The objective is concrete: to raise funds to finance actions to promote the autonomy of older persons or persons with disabilities. For companies, a contribution of 0.3% of the payroll goes to the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy (CNSA). For employees, this is seven hours (or less if the contract is part-time) added to the meter, without compensation.
But... who really works that day?
On paper, all employees should come to work. In reality, many of them are on a day off or an RTT. Many employers also discreetly adapt the calendar: in some cases, Pentecost Monday remains a day of rest, in others, not at all. This day can be set on another date or even be divided into several half-days, depending on the collective agreement or company.
Background:Solidarity Day never concerns 1 May, which remains untouchable among public holidays in France.
2025: When does Solidarity Day fall? And what if we forget?
In most cases, visit Monday, June 9, 2025. But sometimes the company chooses another date: the law allows a great latitude, business agreement or not. The day is also frequently missed for those who work continuously. — To comply with this obligation has very concrete consequences. Refusing to make Solidarity Day is subject to disciplinary sanctions: warning, HR sanction, or even salary withholding. Cannot escape it, whether it is CDI, CDD or acting — Except for exceptions.
Who's escaping? Specific cases and true reasons for exemption
- Interns: not concerned, unless explicitly stated in the internship agreement.
- Employees under 18: Legal protection applies to public holidays (except for exceptions).
- Reasonable absence (illness, maternity, paid leave on that day): no postponement of the day of solidarity.
- Employees who have already completed their day with another employer in the same year.
In concrete terms, how is the Day of Solidarity at Work organised?
Private, public, part-time: à la carte arrangements
In most cases, this day is organized in one of these four ways:
- Working on a holiday like Pentecost Monday,
- Working on a Saturday,
- Waiver of a day of RTT or rest,
- Or spread the seven hours over several days if everyone finds themselves there.
For part time, there is nothing sorcerer: the duration adjusts according to the contract (3.5 hours or other adapted fraction).
Public sector: hunting, tailor-made organization
Officials and agents find themselves with a fairly flexible arrangement, but the idea remains similar. Either seven hours worked without any additional remuneration or sacrifice of one day of recovery. The exact modalities vary according to status, but everyone is concerned.
Practical advice:Your HR or SSC (Social and Economic Committee) has information specific to your structure. Any point to clarify? Consult them before you book your leave.
To learn all about the obligations of employers and employees during Solidarity Day, discover our detailed analysis inSolidarity Day 2025: Understanding the stakes of 9 June and its true impact.
Why this device? Inside the background of a measure that is still debated
Solidarity Day is never unanimous. Some see it as a proof of solidarity in action, others as a gift to the employer. The lead line remains the same: since the 2003 heat wave, the State has relied on this principle to finance the long-term prevention and support of vulnerable people. Since its inception, discussions have never ceased, but not a double day on the program in 2025: the measure remains unique, with its statutory exceptions.
What's next? A solidarity that moves with time
Every year the question is put on the carpet: do we have to double the measure, make it optional, propose something else? For now, nothing's moving. But the public debate is already alive, influenced by social news or the evolution of the relationship to work.
Updated on 21 March 2026
