2024-11-07 21:02:00
Social conflict in public service seems increasingly inevitable. Hurt by the government’s announcement that it wanted to combat sick leave for public employees, the trade unions sent a joint letter to Guillaume Kasbarian on October 29, requesting a meeting. The Minister of Civil Service then received them on Thursday 7 November for more than two hours. A moment of discussion that did not calm the anger, given that several federations have already called a strike for the next few weeks.
The atmosphere was relatively tense and the minister showed no sign of relenting. He then said the government intends to maintain changes to the Finance Act for 2025 which aim to apply three days of unpaid absence in the case of absence for health reasons – compared to just one currently – and limit pay to 90% of officers . ‘ pay when the work stoppage extends beyond this three-day period.
These choices, which aim to align the public sector with the rules in force in the private sector, would ultimately save 1.2 billion euros per year. According to participants, the minister remained deaf to the unions’ arguments, presuming to make the decisions “difficult” Moreover “necessary”.
It also confirmed that there will be no index point increase in 2024 and that the Individual Purchasing Power Guarantee, a mechanism that allows agents who have lost purchasing power over the four years to receive financial compensation, will also not be paid .
“Three days of waiting, three days of strike”
However, there was something positive for the trade unions. Guillaume Kasbarian has announced that he will renounce the abolition of the categories of public employees (A, B and C). The measure, Emmanuel Macron’s electoral promise for 2022, was part of the program of the bill brought forward by the former Minister of Public Service, Stanislas Guerini. His successor said he didn’t want to “prosper” this project, according to the participants of the meeting.
The minister also proposed to start consultations on three topics: the attractiveness of public employment and the loyalty of agents, career management and a plan for the prevention and reduction of absences. At present, it is difficult to know whether Guillaume Kasbarian intends to present a bill despite everything, or whether he will settle for regulatory measures or decrees. In any case, he assured Agence France-Presse that he wants it “maintain a constant and frank dialogue with the trade unions” so “move forward constructively on issues essential to agents and the future of public administration”. But given the relationships with representatives of public employees, the discussions promise to be complicated.
Interview between Anna Davis, Editor of Time.news, and Dr. Emily Roberts, Labor Relations Expert
Anna Davis: Welcome, Dr. Roberts. Thank you for joining us today. There’s a growing tension in the public service sector in France following last week’s meeting between unions and the Minister of Civil Service, Guillaume Kasbarian. Can you give us some context about the situation?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Absolutely, Anna. The backdrop of this tension lies in the government’s recent announcement regarding sick leave policies for public employees. The introduction of stricter rules—specifically, extending the unpaid absence from one to three days—has caused a significant backlash from trade unions.
Anna Davis: That’s indeed alarming. The unions have expressed their frustration in a joint letter, but do you think their concerns are being heard?
Dr. Emily Roberts: It appears that the dialogue has been quite one-sided. While the unions presented strong arguments against the proposed changes, the Minister remained firm on his stance, emphasizing that these reforms are “difficult but necessary.” This attitude is likely to exacerbate the conflict, as several unions have already called for strikes in response.
Anna Davis: The government’s argument is that these changes could save them 1.2 billion euros per year, aligning public sector policies with those in the private sector. Does that justify these reforms from your perspective?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Financial savings are essential, especially in a challenging economic climate. However, it’s crucial to balance fiscal responsibility with the welfare of public employees. Making the public employment regime less favorable, particularly regarding sick leave, could lead to decreased morale and potentially hinder recruitment efforts in the long run.
Anna Davis: Speaking of morale, how do you foresee these changes affecting the relationship between public employees and the government?
Dr. Emily Roberts: I anticipate a deterioration of trust between public employees and their employers. When policies seem to prioritize cost-cutting over the well-being of workers, it breeds resentment. In the long run, the government risks alienating a vital workforce that is essential for the smooth operation of public services.
Anna Davis: Last week’s meeting lasted over two hours. Did that duration indicate a fruitful dialogue, or simply a prolonged disagreement?
Dr. Emily Roberts: In such contexts, length of meeting doesn’t always translate to productive discussions. It sounds like the minister was resolute in his position, which likely created a tense atmosphere rather than a collaborative one. When one party feels unheard, it often leads to a stalemate rather than a solution.
Anna Davis: As we look ahead, what strategies might unions employ to express their dissent effectively?
Dr. Emily Roberts: We’re already seeing early indications of strike action, which is one of the most powerful tools a union has. I would also expect more pressure on social media to galvanize public support, alongside protests and organized demonstrations. They will aim to not just highlight their grievances but also contextualize them within broader themes of workers’ rights.
Anna Davis: Dr. Roberts, thank you for your insights. The upcoming weeks will be critical for public service employees in France as they navigate these challenging times. We appreciate your expertise on this issue and look forward to your analysis in the future.
Dr. Emily Roberts: Thank you, Anna. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you. Let’s keep an eye on how this unfolds.