The Christian union organized a day of protest in the non-profit sector on June 18. The union is demanding more staff and better wages. The protest did not involve a large demonstration in Brussels, but consisted of dozens of small protests all over Flanders. Among other places, protests were organised at AZ Jan Portaels in Vilvoorde.
Over the past few months, the healthcare industry has been working hard to overcome the coronavirus. At the same time, the virus also rekindled industry discontent. A large-scale healthcare demonstration in Brussels was not a good idea, according to the Christian trade union, ACV-CSC. Therefore, small protests are held all over Flanders.
“Many people are left with the question: what happens after corona? Will anything really change? And will they change if we don't do anything? We demand a non-profit pact with the government and employers," said Mark Selleslach of the Christian union. “We want to turn the applause of the past months into solutions and results. The current health crisis highlights the importance of the non-profit sector."
Among other places, action was taken at AZ Jan Portaels in Vilvoorde. The union hopes that the many expressions of support in recent months will cause politicians to wake up and provide better support to the healthcare sector on a structural basis.
“No more excuses and window-dressing. We need an investment plan focused on sustainability. Healthcare staff should be valued with better pay, reduced workload and more staff on the floor. And finally: we need to restore the social dialogue so that good agreements can be made," Selleslach concluded.