France has unveiled a preliminary draft law implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive that goes substantially beyond the minimum EU requirements.
This draft introduces stricter requirements than the EU Pay Transparency Directive. Sent to social partners on 6 March 2026, the French draft treats the Pay Transparency Directive as a "floor, not a ceiling" introducing lower thresholds, expanded worker representative involvement, and robust sanctions.
We explain what this means for employers operating in France and the steps they should take now to prepare for the Pay Transparency Directive.
What are the key takeaways for employers under France's pay transparency law?
Here are the key differences between the French draft law and the EU Pay Transparency Directive:
