The Alliance des Syndicats Autonomes de la Santé (And Gueusseum) in Senegal has announced a 48-hour strike to take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2026. This move comes after over eight months of negotiations with the government, which the union claims have yielded little results. And Gueusseum is demanding the resolution of several key issues affecting the health sector. The union's decision was made public on September 20, 2026.
And Gueusseum's grievances include the non-payment of housing allowances to contract workers in public health establishments and workers under local authorities. The union also wants the effective implementation of the Territorial Public Service and the development of career plans for its members. Furthermore, they are advocating for a retirement age of 65 for certain categories of workers in the Ministry of Health and a definitive resolution to the land issue affecting victims of the SUTSAS-NAMORA social housing program.
The union's actions are part of its 16th plan of action, which aims to pressure the government into addressing these long-standing issues. And Gueusseum has expressed frustration over what it perceives as the government's dilatory tactics and lack of commitment to resolving these problems. The union believes that the situation reflects a broader pattern of neglect and marginalization of the health sector.
And Gueusseum's struggle appears to be gaining support from other quarters. The union notes a convergence of efforts with other health sector unions, including SAMES and SACSAS. This unity of purpose could potentially lead to a more coordinated and effective response to the challenges facing the sector. The union is calling for collective action, stating that members should "march together, act together, and when necessary, strike together."
The 48-hour strike is set to begin on October 1st, 2026, and will be followed by an evaluation of the plan of action on October 3rd. During the strike, union members will boycott coordination and supervision meetings, as well as external activities of the National Tuberculosis Control Program. The strike is likely to cause significant disruptions to health services across Senegal.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Senegal's health sector, which has been plagued by strikes and protests in recent years. And Gueusseum's actions reflect a broader struggle for better working conditions, improved services, and greater recognition of the sector's contributions to the country's well-being. The government's response to these demands will be crucial in determining the outcome of the strike and the future of the health sector.
As the strike approaches, patients and health workers alike are bracing for the impact. The Senegalese government faces mounting pressure to address the union's demands and find a lasting solution to the sector's problems. With the strike set to begin in just over a week, all parties are preparing for a potentially confrontational and decisive period in the country's health sector.
Key points
- And Gueusseum union in Senegal announces 48-hour strike over unresolved issues in the health sector.
- The strike, set for October 1st and 2nd, 2026, is part of the union's 16th plan of action.
- The union's demands include housing allowances, implementation of territorial public service, and resolution of land issues.
