2024-10-29 13:00:00
The Minister of Labor, Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, and the Minister of the Civil Service, Guillaume Kasbarian, at the Elysée, in Paris, October 23, 2024. CYRIL BITTON/DIVERGENCE POUR “LE MONDE”
Between the government of Michel Barnier and the civil servants’ unions, relations were already not entirely good. They are now very tense, since the announcement on Sunday October 27 of a tightening of the rules for compensation for sick leave for public employees. The power in place is criticized for making unfair and stigmatizing decisions. Their effectiveness would, moreover, be questionable, one of the aims being to tackle the explosive issue of absences.
In this very predictable controversy, where the old stereotype of the slacker bureaucrat resurfaces, the words used have almost as much impact as the very substance of the provisions adopted. Guillaume Kasbarian, the Minister of the Civil Service, explains, in an interview with Figaro published Monday, that he identified a ” emergency “at a time when the nation’s accounts are sinking into the red: “The fight against absenteeism” among the approximately 5.7 million people working for the State, local authorities and public hospitals.
In the eyes of Mr. Kasbarian, it is no longer necessary “let it drift” the phenomenon, resulting – among other things – in a ” gap “ growing between the public and the private sector: thus, in 2022, the average number of work stoppages for health reasons reached 14.5 days in the first case, compared to 11.7 in the second, while the difference was less blatant three years ago. Cost of these absences for all public employers: 15.1 billion euros (in 2022, still), according to a calculation carried out by the general inspectorates of finance (IGF) and social affairs (IGAS) in a report issued public in early September.
“Complex subject”
This is the reason why “two accountability measures” are necessary, according to Mr. Kasbarian. First: extend the so-called period of “deficiency”during which the public service agent does not receive any compensation, increasing it from one to three days. Second arbitration: beyond these three days, the civil servant would be covered, but up to 90% of his remuneration (compared to 100% today). These choices, which aim to align the public sector with the rules in force in the private sector, would ultimately save 1.2 billion euros per year.
“In addition” of these provisions, Mr. Kasbarian adds that he intends to act on other aspects, including that of “improving the quality of life at work”. But he does it in an expeditious manner, even though this point has an important dimension. According to the joint IGF-IGAS report, the “differences in absence rates” between, on the one hand, the private sector and, on the other hand, the State and hospitals can be explained, « 95 % »by the ” features “ agents as well as “their jobs”. In particular, the age of workers is taken into account, which is higher, on average, in the public: a significant parameter because the risk of being confronted with a health problem increases with age. Exposure to the public can also be important for caregivers or teachers, for example during periods of“seasonal epidemics”.
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**Interview with Labor Minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet on the Recent Policy Changes Affecting Public Employees**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Panosyan-Bouvet. Following the recent announcement regarding tighter rules for compensation for sick leave among public employees, there’s been significant backlash. Can you give us an overview of the government’s motivation behind these changes?
**Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet:** Thank you for having me. The primary motivation for these changes is to address rising absenteeism in the public sector. As Minister Kasbarian has pointed out, we are facing an urgent financial situation. The cost of absenteeism was 15.1 billion euros in 2022, which is an unsustainable burden on our economy. Although we value the well-being of public employees, we believe reforms are essential to create a fairer, more effective system.
**Editor:** The announcement has sparked claims of unfair treatment and stigmatization of civil servants. How does the government respond to these concerns?
**Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet:** We understand that any change can evoke strong feelings, especially when it comes to health-related issues. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between supporting our employees and ensuring productivity. We do not aim to stigmatize anyone; rather, we are fostering an environment where responsibility and accountability are encouraged for everyone’s benefit, including taxpayers.
**Editor:** Guillaume Kasbarian mentioned a “gap” between public and private sector absenteeism. Can you elaborate on why this gap is concerning, and how these measures intend to bridge it?
**Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet:** Absolutely. The difference in absenteeism rates indicates potential inefficiencies within our public sector, which the government cannot ignore. By implementing these tighter rules, we aim to promote a culture of accountability that reflects the expectations in the private sector. We are implementing supportive measures alongside these changes, such as resources for mental health and well-being, to help employees manage their health proactively.
**Editor:** Some critics argue that these measures may exacerbate existing tensions between the government and civil service unions. How does the government plan to address this?
**Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet:** We recognize the importance of dialogue and collaboration with civil servants’ unions. We are committed to ongoing discussions to ensure their voices are heard throughout this process. It’s a complex subject, and we seek to find common ground for a solution that enhances both employee welfare and operational efficiency.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Panosyan-Bouvet, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that this topic requires careful navigation as the government seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with employee support.
**Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet:** Thank you for having me; I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position on this important issue.
