The proposal to extend the waiting period for sick leave reflects the government's ongoing efforts to manage public spending amid budget constraints.
The backlash from left-wing politicians and unions highlights the ongoing tension between the government and public sector workers over labor rights and working conditions in France.
The differing opinions among political factions illustrate the complexity of public sector reform, particularly in balancing cost-saving measures with employee welfare.
If the government proceeds with the three-day waiting period, it may lead to increased unrest among civil servants and could spark protests or strikes organized by unions.
The government's focus on reducing absenteeism may prompt further reforms in public sector employment policies, potentially leading to more stringent regulations around sick leave and employee health.
The French government is proposing to increase the waiting period for sick leave for civil servants from one day to three days, aligning it with the private sector's regulations. This initiative, announced by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and supported by Minister of the Civil Service Guillaume Kasbarian, is part of a broader effort to reduce absenteeism and save approximately 5 billion euros. However, this proposal has drawn significant criticism from various left-wing politicians and unions, who argue that it unfairly targets civil servants and fails to address underlying issues related to workplace conditions and health.
Critics, including LFI MP Manuel Bompard and Green mayor Éric Piolle, have labeled the measure as 'scandalous' and 'infantilizing,' emphasizing that sick leave should not financially penalize employees. They stress the need for the government to focus on improving working conditions and addressing the root causes of absenteeism rather than imposing punitive measures. Additionally, unions have expressed concerns about the potential stigmatization of civil servants who are genuinely ill.
In contrast, the National Rally's president Jordan Bardella supports the increase in waiting days, provided that the savings generated are allocated to improving civil service remuneration and addressing issues like unpaid overtime for certain workers, such as prison officers and police.
