15 Jun 2018 | 09:14 AM UTC
Mali: Nationwide public health workers strike June 5-22
Healthcare workers hold a 216-hours strike, from June 5 to June 22
Event
Public healthcare workers launched a 216-hour strike on June 5, which is expected to continue to paralyze the country’s health sector until Friday, June 22. The strike is affecting numerous hospitals throughout the country, including in the capital Bamako. The strike was called for by the country’s two main health unions to denounce the non-application of a April 2017 agreement. Unions announced that the strike could continue past June 22 if their demands are not met.
Context
Strikes are commonplace in Mali. Teachers, lawyers, and health workers across the country held significant strikes throughout 2017.
The current health worker strike is the fourth organized since September 2016. Healthcare workers are demanding salary raises for staff and jobs for contract workers; doctors are also calling on the state to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage for medical staff.
Advice
Individuals are advised to confirm medical appointments and to anticipate longer waiting times in hospitals during the strike.
