2024-10-31 17:22:00
The ax fell on Sunday evening, with the government’s announcement of its desire to include in the draft budget for 2025 a clear tightening of the conditions for compensation for sick leave among civil servants. After the cold, the hot?
If he remained as firm as ever on sick leave, “assum[ant] to take its share of the budgetary savings next year”, the Minister of the Civil Service abandoned the anaphoras Tuesday morning on RTL. No “simplify, simplify, simplify”… On the other hand, Guillaume Kasbarian was open on several sensitive issues launched by his predecessor who bequeathed him a bill on the efficiency of the civil service contested by the unions.
Firm on sick leave
Merit pay? “It’s always a subject and it’s a job […] which we continue to consult with the trade union organizations,” declared the minister. The abolition of civil service categories (C for executive jobs, B for practical positions with at least the baccalaureate and A for executives)? “I know that this is a subject that is irritating for many unions […]I heard it clearly,” he noted. “I do not want to throw in the trash what was done by [mon] predecessor […] so we continue to discuss it, but I have of course heard the unions’ reservations on the subject,” he insisted.
While Stanislas Guerini opened a controversy on lifelong employment in the public service, Guillaume Kasbarian, here too, played it mezzo voce. “Work was also carried out by my predecessor which makes it easier to dismiss in the event of insufficiency, serious problems […]I appreciate the complexity but it is a subject which is not taboo and which we must also discuss within the framework of social dialogue. »
Half a voice
The former Minister of Housing is not known for taking gloves. The start was rough with the unions and things haven’t improved since. It is an understatement to say that they do not appreciate his method when the minister has until now broken with the tradition respected by all his predecessors of regular dialogue, including informal, with union representatives. .
The eight federations ended up writing to him. In a joint letter with chosen words sent late Tuesday morning, they compare the “desire for social dialogue” that he “displayed” and the social agenda that “was imposed without any consultation” as well as “ a certain number of decisions with serious consequences [qui] already seem to have been established without any discussion having taken place in a multilateral framework […] yet announced.”
They demand the organization “as quickly as possible” of a meeting “in the presence” of the minister, in particular to discuss salaries, and including the maintenance of the purchasing power guarantee that the government wants to remove. This request is accompanied by another and a warning.
The warning concerns the temptations which could emerge, in order to make additional budgetary savings, to postpone the entry into force of the contribution of public employers to the complementary health insurance which must be deployed from 1is January 2025. It is added to a “unanimous request” for “total abandonment” of the bill left by Stanislas Guerini. “If Guillaume Kasbarian wants to reestablish dialogue, he will have to go through this,” says a trade unionist. Interviewed on Sud Radio on October 31, the Minister of the Civil Service announced that he would meet all the federations of civil servants on November 7.
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**Interview with Guillaume Kasbarian, French-Armenian Minister of Civil Service**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Mr. Kasbarian. Thank you for joining us today. As the Minister of Civil Service, you’ve recently touched on some complex issues regarding sick leave compensation and civil service reforms. Can you share your thoughts on the government’s proposal to tighten sick leave compensation?
**Guillaume Kasbarian:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The proposal aims to ensure the sustainability of our public services while also acknowledging the need for fair treatment of civil servants. We must strike a balance between responsible budget management and adequate support for our employees. While I remain firm on the need for adjustments, I am open to discussions on how we can address concerns raised by unions.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a delicate balancing act. Regarding merit pay and the categories of civil service positions, what can we expect in the upcoming discussions?
**Guillaume Kasbarian:** Merit pay is indeed a subject of ongoing dialogue. We are in consultations with trade union organizations to gather their insights. As for the categories within the civil service, I recognize this is a contentious topic among unions. My approach is to listen and consider their feedback carefully, ensuring that any changes are beneficial for both the workforce and the efficiency of our services.
**Interviewer:** There have been discussions about the complexities of dismissing employees in the public sector. How do you plan to address this issue moving forward?
**Guillaume Kasbarian:** It’s important to navigate this topic with care. My predecessor initiated discussions on making it easier to dismiss employees for performance issues, which is critical for maintaining high standards. However, any changes must be a part of broader social dialogue. We need to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that reforms protect both the rights of employees and the integrity of public service.
**Interviewer:** With your background in housing reform, how do you see your experience influencing your role in civil service?
**Guillaume Kasbarian:** My experience in housing taught me the importance of clear communication and collaboration with diverse groups. In civil service, these principles are vital as well. I aim to foster an environment where different voices are heard, allowing us to work together towards practical, effective reforms that serve the public interest.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Kasbarian. As you navigate these challenges, we wish you the best in your new role.
**Guillaume Kasbarian:** Thank you very much. It’s a significant responsibility, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts today.
