Grenoble adopts a 30-day extension of paternity leave

The City of Grenoble has adopted a 30-day extension to the “ childcare leave » granted to municipal and CCAS agents. As of 1^is January 2025, second parents will thus be able to benefit from a special authorization of absence (Asa) of 30 days, in addition to the paternity leave provided for by law, for a duration of 25 calendar days. Asa can be taken all at once or several times within six months following the birth of the child.

« This proposal is part of the proactive policy of equality between women and men led by the City », Indicates the Grenoble municipality. Equality, particularly in terms of remuneration, first of all, while “ salary and career inequalities widen between women and men from the birth of the first child “. Moreover, ” extension of childcare leave [per­met] to each parent [d’ac­com­plir] their share of parental tasks, which is also a vector of equality between men and women in the professional sphere ».

Pierre Mériaux, Deputy Personnel for the City of Grenoble, believes that the adoption of this measure repairs a “ injus­tice » of the law. Which, ” in 2021, extended paternity or childcare leave from 2 to 4 weeks, without equaling maternity leave », notes the elected official. The 30-day extension for the second parent therefore allows them to take up to ten weeks of leave, which places paternity leave on the same level as maternity leave. Presented during the municipal council meeting on December 16, 2024, the measure was adopted unanimously without sparking debate.

The City of Grenoble recalls, for the occasion, having voted in December 2023 in favor of two special authorizations of absence for agents suffering from painful periods or serious illnesses. In the first case, the agent can benefit from an absence (or days of teleworking) upon presentation of a medical certificate. In the second case, the Asa allows agents to be absent to go to a consultation, provided they provide a letter from their doctor.