France may delay implementing a European directive aimed at improving the rights of platform workers until the end of the current five-year government term, according to Minister of Labor Jean-Pierre Farandou. The directive, adopted in December 2024 after the usual two-year legislative process, is intended to enhance protections for independent workers, such as food delivery drivers, domestic helpers, and private hire drivers. It may also lead to reclassifying some of these workers as employees, which would grant them additional legal rights and benefits. However, the French government has not yet finalized the necessary legal text to transpose the directive into national law, and it is unlikely to be completed before the end of the five-year term. Farandou explained that while the government has the bill ready, the political and parliamentary schedule poses challenges. The current parliamentary session is set to conclude in February, which is also the month when the government will begin preparing for the upcoming presidential election. This tight timeline, combined with other legislative priorities, could make it difficult to pass the platform workers’ directive before February. The minister noted that the parliamentary agenda is already crowded with important topics, such as a comprehensive proposal to combat sexual and gender-based violence and budget negotiations. In addition to the platform workers’ directive, Farandou emphasized the need to develop a broader social pact that would improve protections for independent workers, including better access to occupational health services and guaranteed minimum income. He also mentioned the salary transparency law, which was discussed in a recent cabinet meeting, but warned that its passage depends on how much time is available for budget discussions and agreement between the two legislative chambers. Farandou also highlighted the importance of passing a law that would allow bakers and florists to work on May 1st, a date traditionally associated with labor protests. He expressed a desire to have this law adopted before May 1, 2027, which is the day before the second round of the presidential election. This timeline reflects the government’s efforts to balance legislative priorities with the upcoming political landscape.