Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT, strongly opposed the proposed changes to sick leave compensation for civil servants in the 2025 Social Security financing bill. She criticized Minister Guillaume Kasbarian’s plan to extend the waiting period and reduce compensation. Binet argued that civil servants face worsening conditions and insisted they shouldn’t be scapegoated for government budget cuts. She warned of potential strikes if the proposals are adopted, calling them populist and harmful, particularly for women in the workforce.
Sophie Binet, the head of the CGT union, did not hold back during her appearance on BFMTV’s morning show this Tuesday. She harshly criticized the proposal introduced by the new Minister for the Civil Service, Guillaume Kasbarian, aimed at tightening sick leave compensation for civil servants in the upcoming 2025 Social Security financing bill. “Guillaume Kasbarian hates civil servants. He needs to stop,” she stated emphatically.
Under the proposed changes, the waiting period for sick leave compensation would increase from one day to three for civil servants. Additionally, the compensation rate would decrease from full salary to 90%. The government maintains this adjustment is necessary to align public sector practices with those in the private sector. However, Binet countered that “it’s a lie, private-sector employees in many cases have branch agreements that allow them to be compensated from the first day of sick leave.” She argued that civil servants are being portrayed unfairly as privileged when, in reality, they are simply seeking parity with private-sector wages.
Addressing the Issue of Civil Servant Absenteeism
Rejecting any insinuation of widespread “absenteeism” among civil servants, Binet attributed the rise in sick leaves to “worsening working conditions.” She pointed out that “working conditions are more degraded than in the private sector, and salaries are lower,” citing the overwhelming pressure faced by public hospital caregivers. “They can’t take it anymore,” she lamented. Binet believes that the proposed measure would negatively impact women, who make up a significant portion of the civil service and often experience short-term health issues like endometriosis. “It’s a populist, dangerous proposal,” she warned.
According to Binet, the government is using civil servants as “scapegoats” in its quest for budget cuts. She stated, “We’re not responsible for the debt; we’ve already contributed through pension reforms and salary austerity.” She urged the government to explore tax proposals aimed at the wealthiest to achieve savings, rather than targeting civil servants who are dedicated to serving the public good.
A Warning Against Government Changes
As discussions surrounding the restructuring of civil servant status—such as job classification, job security, and performance-based pay—continue, Binet has sent a warning to the government. She stated, “All union organizations are opposed to the overhaul of the status of civil servants.” If the changes to sick leave are implemented, she promised that “mobilizations will continue” among civil service professionals. Although strike action remains an option, she clarified that the CGT is not inclined to disrupt end-of-year transportation, emphasizing the need for operational trains during Christmas. “For that to happen, we need to be heard beforehand,” she insisted, calling on the government to reconsider its priorities in the budget.
Will the government heed Binet’s concerns? Current indications suggest otherwise. During a separate interview on RTL, Kasbarian stood firm on his approach, asserting, “I do not intend to ignore the issue of absenteeism in the civil service or shy away from my responsibility to contribute to budget savings next year.” He reiterated that the changes aim to foster a sense of accountability in line with private sector standards while noting that “nothing will change for long-term conditions,” such as those related to endometriosis. Emphasizing the financial implications, he stated, “These measures will save 1.2 billion euros. I’m aware of the difficulties and reactions this might provoke, and I am taking my responsibilities.”