SANITAS Union Launches General Strike Against Government Policies
The SANITAS President, Iulian Pope, announced that the upcoming protest is not aimed at hospitals or patients, but rather at the economic and social policies advocated by the Government. Pope emphasized that the strike is not a traditional action against employers, but a stand against the government’s policies that have negatively impacted the public health system.
Healthcare workers have been facing challenges such as reduced benefits, staff shortages, and blocked positions, leading to increased workloads and exhaustion among medical staff. Pope highlighted the struggles of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers, who have been deprived of benefits like food allowances and vacation vouchers, while facing cuts in bonuses and blocked career advancements.
The unionists expressed concerns about the proposed unitary salary law, warning that it could result in income losses for many healthcare workers. Pope stressed that the current form of the law may lead to salary reductions, rather than the promised compensations, affecting a significant portion of the healthcare workforce.
While emergency medical services will continue to operate as usual, the general strike is expected to impact medical activities in various health units. Pope assured that patients in need of urgent care will receive necessary assistance, but chronic patients may experience disruptions in their treatment.
The SANITAS Federation has notified 523 health units about the strike, with exceptions for ambulance services, which are prohibited by law from participating, and units without union representation. The union leaders urged the Romanian Parliament to consider the implications of the proposed law on healthcare workers and requested parliamentary parties to refrain from voting on the legislation in its current form.
The warning strike is scheduled for July 20, from 09:00 to 11:00, while the general strike is set to commence on July 28. Throughout the protests, essential medical services mandated by law, including emergency aid, will be maintained to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
