Corfu, March 23 – Healthcare workers at the Corfu General Hospital are once again facing delays in receiving payments for their overtime, on-call, and night shift work. The Unified Association of Corfu General Hospital Employees issued a statement highlighting the ongoing problem, which they describe as a recurring annual issue.
Ministry of Health Blamed for Funding Delays
According to the Association’s announcement, the Ministry of Health has yet to disburse the necessary funds for January’s additional work payments. It is anticipated that these payments will not be processed until mid-April, leaving employees in a precarious financial situation.
The statement emphasizes that this repeated delay demonstrates that the needs and concerns of employees are not a priority for the government. In an environment of economic strain, with continuous increases in the cost of living, and without 13th and 14th salaries, the failure to timely pay outstanding wages is seen as a deliberate choice to devalue employees and degrade the National Health System (ESY).
Impact on Recruitment and Working Conditions
The Association questions why the Ministry of Health is surprised when recruitment announcements for personnel are not filled. They point out that current salaries, delayed payments, workweeks exceeding 40 hours due to staff shortages, and thousands of owed days off and leave (which cannot be taken for the same reasons) make working in the ESY unattractive.
The statement concludes by urging the Minister of Health to address the anger and reactions of employees during his visits to hospitals and other health units across the country.
Demands of the Unified Association of Employees
The Unified Association of Corfu General Hospital Employees is demanding:
- Immediate payment of all outstanding wages.
- Salary increases that cover the rising cost of living.
- Reinstatement of the 13th and 14th salaries.
- Humane working conditions.
- Inclusion in Hazardous and Unhealthy Professions (BAE).
This ongoing issue underscores the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Greece, particularly concerning remuneration and working conditions. The Association’s firm stance indicates a growing dissatisfaction that could lead to further action if their demands are not met.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/eniaio-somateio-ergazomenon-gnk-kathysterisi-pliromis-yperorion-efimerion-kai-nychterinon-ton-ygeionomikon/
