In response to the recent strike notice issued by the Organization Syndicale des Travailleurs de la Santé (OST/Santé), the Ministry of Health has issued a formal statement on September 18, 2024, addressing the planned work stoppage set to begin on September 28, 2024. The Health Workers' Syndicate has raised concerns over working conditions, wages, and unfair practices in public health facilities, but the Ministry emphasizes that the union is not legally recognized under national labor laws.
In a letter to Heads of Health Facilities (Category 1 to Category 6), the Minister of Health stressed,
I would like to remind you that this union has no legal recognition under the law. Furthermore, I ask you to ensure that the staff of your respective health facilities does not support or give favorable consideration to this strike notice and that work continues smoothly.”
This directive highlights the government's position of maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services while monitoring for any signs of compliance with the strike.
The Ministry’s Appeal for Stability
The letter calls on all health facility heads to ensure smooth operations, emphasizing that public healthcare services must continue despite the union’s strike plans. The Ministry has also asked for immediate reporting of any signs of interest in the strike within individual facilities, suggesting a proactive monitoring approach.
Possible Ways Forward
As a neutral health humanitarian organization, HELP Foundation thinks it is crucial to balance the needs of both healthcare workers and the government. The current situation is delicate, as it involves both legitimate worker grievances and the need to avoid disruption of critical public health services.
To avoid escalation, both parties, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, should consider the following steps:
1. Facilitate Legal Unionization: The Ministry of Labour should help the healthcare workers’ union attain legal recognition, ensuring they have a formal platform to voice their concerns under the law.
2. Immediate Tripartite Negotiation: Organize an urgent tripartite meeting involving the Ministry of Health, OST/Santé, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to mediate the ongoing issues. Open communication is critical to defusing tensions and avoiding strike action.
3. Temporary Moratorium on Strike: Healthcare workers could be encouraged to postpone the strike temporarily while negotiations are held in good faith. The Ministry, in turn, could commit to addressing some key worker concerns during this period.
4. Independent Mediation Panel: Establish an independent panel to oversee the mediation, ensuring that all discussions are fair, transparent, and centered on finding long-term solutions for both healthcare workers and the government.
5. Assure Continuity of Essential Services: While negotiations are ongoing, it’s vital that public healthcare facilities remain operational. A skeleton staff could be agreed upon to ensure that critical services, especially emergencies, are still covered during the strike.
6. Address Immediate Worker Concerns: The government should recognize the urgency of the workers' demands regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions. Early-stage concessions, such as small wage adjustments or improved working conditions, could be a gesture of goodwill to healthcare workers.
The need for a balanced, peaceful resolution is paramount. While the Ministry is focused on maintaining healthcare services, healthcare workers’ concerns should not be ignored or dismissed, as they are critical to the long-term stability and effectiveness of the health system.
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