french Postal workers Secure Landmark Victory Against Precarious Employment
A recent ruling has compelled La Poste to reinstate three employees and provide ample back pay, highlighting a growing wave of labor action against temporary contracts and workforce instability.
In a important win for workers’ rights, La Poste has been ordered to reinstate three former employees and provide extensive compensation following a dispute over unfair dismissals.The case, brought before the industrial Tribunal on January 16, 2026, centered on the treatment of temporary workers at the Coliposte facility in Sorinières, France. The initial catalyst for the dispute was a strike in March 2025, launched by Coliposte agents and Sorinières postmen protesting new organizational changes and demanding permanent contracts for their colleagues.
The dispute arose after several agents, employed under temporary contracts with increased activity status, where dismissed by La Poste in June 2025. These workers had been with the company for months, leading to accusations of unfair treatment. The three affected employees later sought the support of the Sud union to represent their interests in the legal proceedings.
“La Poste must pay without delay,” stated a representative from the Sud union, celebrating the tribunal’s decision. The judgment mandates that La Poste pay not only requalification compensation and inter-contract back pay, but also related paid leave and compensation for wrongful dismissal. crucially, the ruling includes provisional execution, meaning La Poste is obligated to make these payments promptly, without waiting for a potential appeal. The tribunal also ordered the reinstatement of the three employees with full back pay dating back to June 28, 2025.
however, as of today, the employees have not yet been reinstated to their positions.
This victory builds upon similar labor actions, such as the strike in Guérande, where postmen mobilized against a new reorganization of work. The Sud union views this ruling as a critical step in combating La Poste’s alleged practice of utilizing precarious employment arrangements.
“It is, once again, a victory over La Poste in its attempt to make staff precarious and to misuse the workforce that it can lay off when it no longer has a use for it,” explained Nathalie jamin, from the Sud union. “We are calling for a massive hiring plan to fill all vacant positions and reduce job insecurity on all sites to improve working conditions, stabilize organizations and ensure quality public service.” Jamin acknowledged the challenges faced by workers considering legal action, noting that some may choose to seek choice employment or be deterred by the emotional and financial strain of a court battle. “I understand and respect both reasons,” she said. “This is why this judgment is a huge victory for us.”
Why did this happen? In March 2025, Coliposte agents and Sorinières postmen protested organizational changes and demanded permanent contracts. La Poste subsequently dismissed several agents on temporary contracts, prompting legal action. Who was involved? The case involved three former La Poste employees,the Sud union,and La Poste itself. The Industrial Tribunal of sorinières,France,issued the ruling. What was the outcome? The Industrial Tribunal ordered La Poste to reinstate the three employees with full back pay to june 28, 2025, and provide comprehensive compensation for wrongful dismissal. The ruling included provisional execution, requiring immediate payment.How did it end? While La Poste is legally obligated to comply, as of today, the employees have not been reinstated. The Sud union is advocating for a broader hiring plan to address job
