Thursday, May 21, 2020

SO MUCH FOR BEING HEROES
French healthcare workers fined at Paris hospital protest


AFP Protesters were calling for better conditions for healthcare workers

At least 50 healthcare workers were fined and three people arrested for a protest outside a hospital in Paris.

More than 400 doctors, nurses and ancillary staff wore scrubs and banged trays and pans to demand better funding for the hospital, which French media report is in financial difficulty.

The demonstrators were breaking social distancing rules, police have said.

Officers demanded that the protesters disperse, and gave those who refused a €135 ($150; £120) on-the-spot fine.

Protesters called for pay rises, and demanded reforms for better working conditions for healthcare workers.

Footage posted on social media shows large crowds banging on the doors of the hospital, while waving banners of support.
Skip Twitter post by @izpho

Beaucoup de monde pour soutenir le personnel hospitalier de l’hôpital Robert Debre à Paris pic.twitter.com/e5FQ7ATsCm— Nabil Izdar. (@izpho) May 21, 2020
Report
End of Twitter post by @izpho

Robert Debré Hospital, in the north of the city, was already having financial problems before the coronavirus outbreak, local news outlet France Info reports.

However, the epidemic has further exposed the hospital's funding issues.

In speeches delivered at the protest, healthcare workers described being overworked, while describing their fear of catching and transmitting the virus themselves, another outlet France Bleu reports.

France started easing its lockdown earlier this month, with shops and primary schools reopening. However, Paris remains under tight controls.



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