France unifies civil service special leave of absence rules

A new decree in the French civil service, effective January 1, 2027, unifies the rules regarding special leave of absence (ASA) and schedule adjustments related to parenting and family events. The regulation categorizes leave into two main types: rights-based leave, which is granted automatically upon providing documentation, and leave subject to service necessity, which requires employer approval.

Rights-based leave includes provisions for marriage or PACS (5 days), mandatory pregnancy exams, adoption interviews (5 days), and certain bereavement leave. For example, the death of a child grants 12 days, while the death of a spouse or partner grants 5 days. Other automatic leaves cover medical surveillance, egg donation, and legal summons.

Labor unions have expressed varying reactions. The CFDT noted the decree's pedagogical value in clarifying rights despite opposing the text. Conversely, the SNEP-FSU criticized the decree, arguing it limits existing rights and places certain leaves, such as those for medically assisted procreation (PMA), under the discretion of management, which they claim constitutes an attack on workers' rights and women in the workplace.