Ancienneté

Ancienneté is a French term that translates to seniority or length of service. It is a concept commonly encountered in labor law, employment contracts, and social systems, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. Ancienneté typically refers to the accumulated time an individual has been employed by a particular company or in a specific role.

This accumulation of time often confers certain rights and privileges. For example, in many French collective bargaining agreements, ancienneté can influence the amount of paid vacation time an employee receives, the notice period required for termination, or eligibility for certain bonuses and benefits. It can also play a role in internal promotions or job assignments, where longer-serving employees may be given preferential treatment.

The calculation of ancienneté can vary depending on the specific rules in place. Generally, it starts from the date of hiring and may include periods of authorized absence, such as maternity leave or extended sick leave, although this is not always the case and depends on legal provisions or company policy. The concept aims to recognize loyalty and commitment to an employer and to provide a degree of stability and reward for long-term employees within the workforce.