On the occasion of International Women's Day, which takes place on 8 March each year, a half-day off may be granted to women in the company if a collective agreement so provides. This is what the Court of Cassation ruled in a judgment of July 12, 2017.
In that case, the employee claimed that he had suffered an unjustified difference in treatment, since only female employees could benefit from half a day's leave on women's day.
His argument was not followed. The Court of Cassation states that only female employees may benefit from half a day off on Women's Day if a collective agreement so provides.
It justifies its decision by the need to promote equal opportunities between women and men.
