French Government Faces Backlash Over Proposed Sick Leave Cuts for Public Workers

Minister Guillaume Kasbarian plans to meet with unions amid controversy over reducing sick leave benefits for public sector employees.

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.