Heatwave: CGT union at Hospices Civils de Lyon denounces "untenable situation"

The CGT union of the Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) issued a press release on July 2 denouncing the "persistent inaction " in the face of heatwaves in Lyon hospitals. The union points to the absence of " structural measures " since the 2003 heatwave.

According to the CGT (General Confederation of Labour), " hospital workers are chasing after a few obsolete fans or hastily rented... and often defective, portable air conditioners ." In " sometimes dilapidated buildings ," the situation endangers " the health of the most vulnerable patients, as well as that of already exhausted caregivers ."

The union also denounces the lack of basic resources: " No bottles of water available when needed, and, even worse, refusals from management when staff request it ."

The CGT (General Confederation of Labour) is questioning the effectiveness of the solidarity day introduced in 2004: " Where have the 60 billion euros collected since then gone? " This day was supposed to fund the prevention of risks linked to dependency and extreme heat.

The union is making four demands of the government:

• Stop " budgetary restriction measures "
• Launch " a genuine national hospital renovation plan "
• Restore “ sufficient human resources ”
• Rebuild " a great public health service "

This mobilization is part of a broader context of tensions over hospital staffing levels, with the CGT union citing a " glaring lack of staff " and " staff under pressure all year round ."