Entire surgical block staff on strike

The entire surgical block staff at the Martigues Hospital Center is on strike, including operating room nurses (IBODE), nurses (IDE), anesthesiologist nurses (IADE), nursing assistants (AS), and hospital service agents (ASH). According to Manon Breteau, an IBODE at the hospital and a member of the Inter-Blocks Collective (CIB), the only staff members not present at the demonstration were those assigned to maintain the activity of the operating rooms.

Strike began in July over working conditions

The strike movement dates back several months, having begun in July following measures introduced by the hospital's management that the staff claims degrade their rights and working conditions. Negotiations between the staff and management have "led to nothing."

Changes affect part-time workers' pay

The core of the dispute involves several measures taken by the hospital's management, which the staff claims negatively affect their working conditions and pay. These include the end of overtime pay for part-time workers, specifically for IBODE who previously received a premium for working nights, Sundays, and holidays. This change will result in these workers being paid for additional hours without a premium, leading to a significant loss of salary.

Part-time workers are often single mothers

Manon Breteau highlights that many part-time workers are single mothers, including colleagues with multiple children, one of whom has a disability, and notes that these changes will be particularly difficult for them. The removal of double pay without financial compensation is another point of contention.

Changes to midday breaks and shift lengths

Another concern is the removal of 20 minutes of midday break per day for ASH (hospital service agents), which the unions say equates to 9 days of RTT (reduction of working time) less per year on a full-time basis. The removal of the 24-hour shift for IADE (anesthesiologists) is another measure that is legal but has been in place for twenty years in a context of personnel shortage.

Staff want compensation for changes

Manon Breteau stated that the staff is in favor of compliance with the regulations but wants to work the same way at the same rate. The professionals demand "a financial compensation," emphasizing that while they are okay with changes in methods, they want to ensure there is no loss on their pay slips.