Jean Auroux (born 13 April 1942) is a French politician associated with the Socialist Party (Parti socialiste). He held the office of Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security in the government of Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy from 22 May 1981 to 22 March 1983, during the first term of President François Mitterrand. In this capacity, Auroux promoted a series of labor reforms, commonly referred to as the “Auroux Laws,” which aimed to strengthen collective bargaining, employee representation on company boards, and workplace safety.
Born in Thionville, Moselle, Auroux pursued a career in public service and local politics before his ministerial appointment. After leaving the national cabinet, he served as mayor of the city of Roanne in the Loire département from 1984 to 1992. He has also held various positions within the Socialist Party’s regional structures and has been involved in social and economic development initiatives at both local and national levels.
Throughout his career, Auroux has been noted for his advocacy of workers’ rights and his involvement in shaping French labor policy during the early 1980s. His contributions to labor legislation remain a reference point in discussions of French social policy.