Stanislas Guerini, the Minister of Transformation and Public Service, is pushing for the removal of the taboo around job termination in the public sector. In early April, he began consultations with local authorities, hospitals, and unions regarding his reform project for the public service, expected to be unveiled in the fall. He believes that it is a distortion of the civil service status to consider that, in the name of job security, an employee cannot be let go if they are not performing adequately. Guerini is advocating for a system where diligent employees are rewarded, while those who do not perform up to standards are penalized. His proposed law aims to establish a merit-based pay system for public servants and make it easier for them to switch between the three branches of the public service (state, local authorities, and hospitals).
In a document presented to unions and employers, the government outlined a series of measures it is considering for inclusion in the reform. These include maintaining salaries during transfers, providing apprentices with more permanent employment opportunities, and expanding the range of sanctions for professional inadequacy. Guerini argues that the public service status quo is outdated and in need of modernization to reflect the realities of the 21st century. Despite this, the eight major representative unions have criticized the proposed reform as being ideological and not addressing the concerns of public servants. They emphasized the importance of increasing salaries for government workers and expressed frustration that the reform process was consultation-based rather than a negotiation where they could have more influence.
The main unions have raised concerns about the government’s approach to the reform process, with some refusing to participate in meetings and others voicing strong opposition to what they perceive as a continuation of previous unpopular reforms. One union criticized the emphasis on individualized and discretionary pay increases, which they view as detrimental to the public service and its employees. The government, however, maintains that the goal of the consultations is to openly discuss all topics without any restrictions or hidden agendas. The consultation period is set to continue until the summer, with the project scheduled to be presented as legislation in the fall following two additional plenary meetings in the spring involving employers and employee representatives.
Despite the opposition from some unions, the government is pressing ahead with its plans to reform the public service sector. Guerini’s vision for a modernized and efficient public service system includes a merit-based pay structure that rewards hard work and performance while addressing professional shortcomings. The consultations with various stakeholders will provide an opportunity to iron out any differences and ensure that the final reform proposal is both effective and acceptable to all parties involved. Ultimately, the success of the reform will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a common goal of improving the public service for the benefit of both employees and the citizens they serve.
