Hospital Staff Unions Announce National Strike Over Social Security Budget Changes
Four major unions representing hospital staff in France—CGT, FO, SUD, and Unsa—have filed a national strike notice, set to take place from November 4 to December 21, 2024. This action comes in response to recent government announcements aimed at modifying sick leave policies within the public service sector. The strike will coincide with the examination of the Social Security Finance Bill (PLFSS) in the National Assembly, highlighting deep-seated frustrations among healthcare workers regarding proposed changes that they believe will exacerbate existing challenges in the healthcare system.
Proposed Changes and Union Responses
The government's plan includes increasing the waiting period for civil servants taking sick leave from one day to three days and reducing sick leave compensation from 100% to 90%, aligning public sector practices with those in the private sector. Union leaders, including Grégory Leduc from Force Ouvrière and Didier Birig from FO Santé, have condemned these changes as detrimental to hospital staff and patients alike. They argue that the new policies could lead to more healthcare workers returning to work while ill, potentially increasing the risk of nosocomial infections within hospitals.
Demands for Better Conditions and Resources
In addition to opposing the waiting period and compensation cuts, the inter-union group is demanding the elimination of waiting days entirely, a return to 100% sick leave compensation, and a significant increase in financial resources allocated to public hospitals. They assert that the proposed Social Security budget does not meet the needs of the healthcare system, calling for a budget increase that approaches 10%. As the strike date approaches, healthcare workers are preparing to mobilize their voices during a national day of action on October 29, 2024, to advocate for better working conditions and resources.
