French Polynesia's healthcare workers continue striking over salary and reform demands, rejecting government proposals despite significant financial offers.
Health sector strike continues in French Polynesia
French Polynesia's health sector strike, which has lasted a week, has not reached an agreement despite the government's proposal of a monthly bonus of 18,000 francs for all healthcare personnel and an additional benefit of 116,000 francs per month for hospital doctors. Unions challenge the financial plan
Unions have expressed concerns that the allocated funds for the bonus are being "deducted from the status of doctors and nurses" and that only 400 million francs remain for the rest of the reform. The intersyndical CSTP-FO and A ti'a i mua met with the presidency on Monday evening following strike notices submitted in the public health sector of the Fenua, which listed ten major points of demand, including the recovery of lost purchasing power, the reform of the status of hospital practitioners for implementation in 2027, and the need for personnel. Government's salary proposal falls short of union demands
The government proposed a 5.5 percent increase in the salaries of public health sector agents, equivalent to 14,480 francs, to help recover lost purchasing power before the pandemic. However, the unions requested an increase of 18,000 francs, which the government exceeded by 3,500 francs. Despite this, the unions argue that granting 18,000 francs to everyone would allocate 1.1 billion francs, leaving only 400 million francs for the rest of the reform. Calls for deeper health system reform
The head of the CSTP-FO, Patrick Galenon, emphasized the need for a deeper reform of the health system, noting that health expenditure in French Polynesia approaches 100 billion francs, with a GDP of 729 billion francs. He referenced France's health expenditure as 11.4 percent of GDP in 2024 and stressed the importance of comparing this to French Polynesia's situation. Government outlines future salary increases
The government stated that its proposal includes two 15 percent increases in 2027 and then in 2028 for hospital practitioners, amounting to 1.5 billion francs. It also proposed a monthly bonus in 2027 for all healthcare and non-healthcare personnel of the CHPF of Taaone, the Agency for the Regulation of Health and Social Action (Arass), and the Directorate of Health and the Fare Tama Hau, representing 3,800 people. Unions acknowledge some progress but seek more
The intersyndical noted that the Public Practitioners Union of French Polynesia has taken note of the monthly bonus of 18,000 francs for all public health care personnel as it responds to their first demand. However, they expressed regret that the state-certified nurses have received no response concerning their seniority reintegration after moving to category A. Additionally, the demands regarding the status of practitioners (doctors, dentists, pharmacists) and the Arass have not received an adequate response. The intersyndical will consult its base before deciding on the next steps for the movement.
