EU directive on pay transparency

The EU directive (2023/970), adopted in May 2023, requires companies to ensure pay transparency. It sets a deadline of June 7, 2026, for implementation and aims to reduce wage disparities by mandating clear communication of pay ranges and prohibiting questions about candidates' salary history.

French draft law and HR challenges

France's draft law to implement the directive was presented to the Council of Ministers on September 10, 2026, before parliamentary review. This, combined with earlier labor regulations, places new demands on HR teams to align company policies with evolving legal standards.

New requirements for compensation policies

The directive compels companies to establish coherent pay structures, define comparable job categories, and train managers to justify compensation decisions. This involves more than updating job postings; it requires a complete reassessment of how companies determine and communicate salaries.

Negotiating working conditions and agreements

Managers negotiating working hours or occupational health must balance company agreements with sector-wide ones. They must identify the right interlocutors based on the presence of trade union representatives and ensure that agreements are robust rather than temporary or unworkable.

University program for social dialogue

The University of Paris-Panthéon-Assas offers the DU Dialogue Social diploma, which teaches participants to manage the full lifecycle of workplace agreements. Led by Muriel de Fabrègues, it includes real cases, workshops, and individual supervision. Designed for HR professionals and others with relevant experience, it runs three days a month from March to October.

Specialized training in compensation and benefits

The DU Expert Compensation & Benefits diploma, also directed by Muriel de Fabrègues, trains professionals in designing salary grids, incentive plans, and retirement strategies. It includes a simulation of a strategic committee and is accessible to those with a Master’s degree or equivalent experience. Classes take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

Program details and eligibility

Both diplomas are part of larger master's programs and are eligible for the CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation). The DU Expert Compensation & Benefits program starts in January 2027, while the DU Dialogue Social begins in March 2027. Applications can be submitted through the university’s website, with contact details provided for inquiries.