Midwives are on strike again this weekend. The government announced on November 22 a salary increase of 500 €, but the trade unions did not falter. These 500 € only concern hospital midwives and they also include 183 € that these professionals already receive.
The revaluation of 500 € per month does not convince the strikers, the midwives perceive it as an announcement effect. According to them, the overall salary level remains a major concern.
Camille Dumortier is president of the national trade union organization of midwives, she explains that the remuneration is not adapted to their level of study: “ We have a profession currently at Bac + 5 level, paid Bac + 3 … So even if we would have a revaluation, we arrive at an equivalent Bac + 3 and a half and for studies which will soon pass in six years, the account n still not there “.
Revise the staffing rules
The other observation is that the minimum number of midwives per patient no longer ensures the safety of patients and their babies: “ Our maternity numbers are governed by a decree dating from 1998. And in fact, when in this text we can read: “for your childbirth, you need two midwives, minimum”. We know that in the establishments, there will only be two midwives, when in reality it would take three, or even four. There are proposals that have been made by the gynecology and midwifery societies, which call for urgent staff revisions. And that for the moment, it is postponed by the government, which has not understood that the apocalypse in maternity hospitals is today. It’s not tomorrow “.
If their demands are not heard, The Midwives Union is considering a “ strike week »From December 24th to 31st.
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