A national strike is set for December 5 as seven public service unions protest government budget cuts, including reduced sick leave compensation. Concerns arise from public servants like Sarah, Nadia, Anne, and Cédric, who express dissatisfaction with low salaries, excessive workloads, and inadequate support. The upcoming strike reflects widespread frustration over budget management and working conditions, highlighting the challenges faced by civil servants amid demands for quick solutions and austerity measures.
Upcoming National Strike in Public Service
A significant strike is looming on the horizon as seven out of eight trade union organizations within the public service have united to call for a national day of “action” and “strike” on December 5. The unions are protesting against the government’s proposed measures aimed at saving 1.2 billion euros for the 2025 budget. Key among these measures is the reduction of sick leave compensation for civil servants from 100% to 90%, alongside the introduction of three unpaid waiting days instead of the current one during sick leave (excluding serious health issues).
Concerns from Public Servants
During a meeting held on November 8 between major trade unions and the Minister of Public Service, Guillaume Kasbarian, it was announced that plans to merge the three categories of public service (A, B, and C) would be abandoned. However, the minister confirmed a freeze on the index point, stating, “The budgetary context does not allow us this year to increase the index point. It also does not allow us to increase and pay the Gipa bonus,” which is designed to help civil servants cope with inflation.
Sarah, who serves as the director of registry services at the court, earns a net salary of 2,900 euros per month. Leading a team of 40 individuals from categories B and C, her role encompasses daily operations and project management, particularly in relation to judicial reforms. Despite holding a master’s degree in private law and 14 years of experience, Sarah feels her compensation is significantly lower than what she could earn in the private sector for similar responsibilities.
Beyond salary, Sarah expresses deep concern over the “colossal workload” that burdens her team, leading to frequent sick leaves. “Right now, I have one sick leave per week within my team, and these are minimum two-week leaves,” she reports. The combination of “poor budget management” and “a certain malaise at work” creates a challenging environment, further exacerbated by strained relationships with the public. “Working for the public is a vocation, but it is also a calling,” she admits, reflecting on her sacrifices and growing disillusionment with the public service.
Nadia, a social worker at a university hospital center (CHU), earns 1,850 euros net per month at the age of 28. She assists patients in navigating social rights and access to care, but feels that her compensation does not reflect the extensive work involved. With a “service bonus” of 800 euros in 2023, she deems her salary insufficient, especially given the pressures she faces from management and patients alike.
In a sector grappling with a “strong desertification,” Nadia points out the challenges posed by vacant positions and inadequate remuneration compared to the private sector. The constant demand for quick solutions, often within 48 hours, places immense pressure on her and her colleagues, leading to unpaid overtime. “I do six hours of unpaid overtime per month,” she explains, underscoring the heavy workload that often goes unrecognized.
Anne, a dedicated territorial civil servant with three decades of service, currently juggles multiple roles to secure full-time work. Earning 2,100 euros net per month, including 450 euros in non-pensionable bonuses, she highlights the lack of additional benefits and expresses frustration over performing category B work without appropriate compensation. She describes a work environment characterized by austerity measures that often come at the expense of employees, challenging the perception that civil servants enjoy privileged conditions.
Cédric, a primary school teacher with two master’s degrees, earns around 2,000 euros net per month. He addresses the misconceptions surrounding teachers’ holidays, clarifying that preparation for upcoming terms occupies a significant portion of this time. He stresses the long hours and responsibilities that come with the role, particularly when faced with the needs of students requiring special attention, often without adequate support.