Overview
- The French government has proposed reducing sick leave compensation for public sector workers from 100% to 90% and increasing unpaid waiting days from one to three.
- Minister of Public Service Guillaume Kasbarian argues that the plan could save the state €1.2 billion and address rising absenteeism among the 5.7 million public employees.
- Union leaders have criticized the proposal, describing it as a populist measure that unfairly targets public workers, and have called for urgent discussions with the government.
- Kasbarian is set to meet with union representatives on November 7 to discuss the proposal and other reforms, including merit-based pay and the restructuring of public service categories.
- The proposal has sparked significant debate in the French National Assembly, with opponents highlighting the socio-demographic factors contributing to higher absenteeism in certain public sectors.