Health sector strike tomorrow, Thursday 6th November

In a statement, the unified union of hospital and psychiatric sector employees said:

"We will not passively watch departments, clinics, and facilities operate at the brink of collapse, with one staff member arriving while two leave. Next year, the situation will worsen dramatically, as many of our colleagues are set to retire.

This Thursday, we are going on strike, joining our voices with other workers, and we call for the support of the people of Corfu. It is essential that healthcare services meet the real and growing needs of our society. Services must take into account the epidemiological realities of our region, the deteriorating health of the population, and the absence of a functional primary care system.

We demand:

• A 20% increase in salaries, with the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th salaries.

• Doubling of the hazardous and unhealthy work allowance, extended to all employees working under similar conditions, with inclusion in the heavy and unhealthy occupations category.

• Permanent employment for all contract workers, who fulfill essential and critical needs, and the removal of contractors from hospitals.

• Urgent permanent recruitment of doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedical, administrative, auxiliary, and technical staff to fully meet service needs.

• Incentives to attract and retain healthcare personnel in Corfu.

• Healthcare that is fully public and free, eliminating profit-driven operations and patient payments."