Rising tensions in the public service sector have intensified following criticism from FSU’s Benoît Teste against Minister Guillaume Kasbarian’s proposed budget cuts. Proposed measures include increasing waiting days for sick leave and reducing compensation, aimed at saving 5 billion euros. Unions are mobilizing, with some preparing for strikes, while Kasbarian emphasizes the need for dialogue. An inter-union meeting is set for November 12 to discuss strategies for upcoming actions, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with government proposals.
Rising Tensions in the Public Service Sector
On Friday, November 8, Benoît Teste, the general secretary of the FSU, the leading trade union representing national education, criticized the Minister of Public Service, Guillaume Kasbarian, for what he termed “unprecedented brutality.” Teste warned that the situation is escalating towards a “very serious conflict,” highlighting the significant anger brewing among civil servants. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, announcing the union’s commitment to forge the “broadest and strongest mobilization possible.”
Government Proposals and Union Response
The friction between civil servants and the government has grown more intense following an October 27 announcement of measures aimed at saving an additional 5 billion euros for the 2025 budget. Among the proposals, Kasbarian revealed intentions to increase the waiting days for civil servants from one to three, aligning with the private sector’s policies, and to reduce sick leave compensation from 100% to 90% (excluding severe illnesses).
Kasbarian defended these measures as necessary to combat absenteeism, which costs public services around 15 billion euros, justifying that these reforms could potentially save the state 1.2 billion euros in the coming year. The controversial plan to eliminate the categories (A, B, and C) of civil servants, a promise made during Emmanuel Macron’s re-election campaign in 2022, remains on the government’s agenda despite the controversies it stirs.
The unions expressed their dissatisfaction after a meeting with Kasbarian on November 7, which was intended to be constructive. Christian Grolier, general secretary of UIAFP-FO, remarked, “We will take the minister’s words literally: three waiting days, three days of strike.” Meanwhile, the CGT’s Sylviane Brousse indicated their clear intention to join any strike movements initiated by the inter-union. The CFDT, however, opted for a more cautious approach, with Mylène Jacquot, general secretary of UFFA-CFDT, stating they would await written responses from the minister before deciding on their course of action.
Kasbarian expressed a commitment to maintaining open dialogue with trade unions, aiming for constructive progress on vital issues affecting public service employees. He also announced the suspension of the merger of civil servant categories, acknowledging the significance these classifications hold for workers. Furthermore, he revealed that due to budget constraints, there would be no increase in the index point or the Individual Purchasing Power Guarantee (Gipa) bonus this year.
As the main public service unions prepare to convene in an inter-union meeting on Tuesday, November 12, expectations are high regarding the unveiling of their mobilization strategy. Union leaders from CGT and FO hinted at the possibility of organized actions as early as December.