The French government is facing criticism from labor unions after unveiling a draft decree on special leave authorizations (ASA) related to family matters, a measure mandated by the Council of State following a 2019 law. The decree, intended to clarify and standardize leave policies for public sector employees, is being denounced as a rollback of existing rights.
The decree addresses leave for sick children and family events, and was presented to the Common Council of the Civil Service (CCFP) on January 13, 2026, according to sources within the FO Public Service union. The CCFP, established in 2010 as a forum for social dialogue within the public sector, was created following agreements reached in 2008, known as the Bercy accords. The Council, comprised of representatives from unions and public employers, examined the proposed legislation.
Key concerns center on reductions to leave allowances for caring for sick children. The draft decree proposes six days of leave for children aged 0 to 11, but only three days for those aged 12 to 16 – a reduction of three days compared to current provisions. Leave for children with disabilities over the age of 16 would be eliminated entirely. The proposed rules would only double leave durations for single parents, a departure from previous arrangements. The provision allowing for additional days for couples has also been removed.
Changes to leave for family events are also drawing fire. The draft reduces leave for weddings and civil partnerships from five to four days, and limits leave for the death of a close family member (spouse, father, mother) to three days, standardizing the allowance across all three branches of the public service – state, territorial, and hospital – at the lowest common denominator. Critically, all such leave remains subject to “operational necessity,” rather than being an automatic right.
The FO Public Service union protested the proposed changes during the CCFP meeting, staging a walkout and declaring the process a “masquerade of social dialogue.” The union intends to submit amendments to the decree during a plenary session of the CCFP, aiming to restore lost rights. According to FO, the government’s actions are driven solely by budgetary concerns and a desire to cut costs at the expense of public sector workers.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the CCFP met on November 6, 2025, under the presidency of David Amiel, Minister Delegate in charge of the Civil Service and State Reform, to discuss the draft legislation, alongside other measures related to employee support and territorial cohesion. A report on the state of the public service was also presented at the meeting.
The CGT État union has also voiced concerns regarding the ASA decree, citing insufficient time for expert review and the rushed presentation to the CCFP on March 11th as hindering a thorough examination of the proposals.
FO Public Service has pledged to continue opposing the 2026 budget and supporting any mobilization against its implementation. The next steps regarding the decree remain unclear, with the government yet to respond to the union’s criticisms.
