Ordre du Mérite du travail

The Order of Labour Merit [Ordre du Mérite du travail], created by decree dated 21 January 1957 in France, was intended to reward anyone who had distinguished themselves either through their professional ability, through the length and quality of their service, or through their conduct towards their workmates.

The Vichy Government had already created a National Order of Labour in 1941, an order that was repealed in 1944.

The Order of Labour Merit was replaced by the National Order of Merit from 1964.

This ministerial order has been subject to a halt in the awarding of and promotion to it since 1 January 1964, but surviving current holders of its grades continue to enjoy the prerogatives attached to them, in accordance with Article 38 of Decree No. 63-1196 establishing a National Order of Merit. Accordingly, although this ministerial order has effectively been in the process of extinction since 1964, it is not extinct as long as at least one surviving member remains in the order.