French nursing home workers protest job shortages, cost cuts

Flag of France (Pixabay photo)

PARIS — French care workers are protesting at nursing homes around the country in anger over staff shortages and cost cuts.

Unions say workers are under increasing pressure to cut corners on feeding, cleaning and hygiene care for elderly residents.

Seven unions called on care workers, nursing home residents and frustrated families to protest Tuesday at 7,000 facilities around France.

Accusing the government of “abandoning the aged,” the unions are also rallying in front of the Health Ministry in Paris to demand more staff and protest a government reform of elderly care.

The workers have long complained about conditions at semi-public nursing homes, and sent a letter in October to President Emmanuel Macron warning of an “explosive situation.

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The government has argued that the reform will improve and streamline care for the elderly.