An employer cannot replace an increase of salary due to an employee returning from maternity leave by the payment of an exceptional bonus.
For the first time, the French Supreme Court has issued a ruling concerning the nature of the salary increase due to an employee returning from maternity leave, as required by article L.1225-26 of the French labor code.
In this particular case, an employee requested an increase of salary calculated on the basis of the salary increases which took place within the company during her maternity leave.