Senegal: Unionized healthcare workers plan to stage 72-hour nationwide strike Dec. 4-6

Healthcare workers affiliated with the Democratic Union of Health and Social Sector Workers (SDt3s) plan to stage a strike across Senegal Dec. 4-6. The purpose of the work stoppage is to demand an improvement to the housing allowance and staff recruitment, among other concessions. Moreover, striking workers demand the recruitment of an additional 3,000 healthcare professionals amid a 15,000 personnel deficit nationwide. Organizers have not announced any planned demonstrations. It remains unknown how many healthcare professionals would participate in the labor action.

Unless averted, the work stoppage could possibly disrupt the provision of nonurgent medical services at facilities across the country. Hospitals and clinics will probably maintain an adequate level of emergency care during the strike period, but disruptions to emergency services cannot be ruled out. Strike-related demonstrations may occur near hospitals, clinics, and Ministry of Health offices. Security personnel will likely monitor any such gatherings that materialize. Skirmishes between demonstrators and police are possible, particularly if protesters are disruptive or ignore any orders from police to disperse.