the essential
Ten days after the action organized by the CGT of Ariège to denounce the working conditions at the Foix Primary Health Insurance Fund, the management's responses do not satisfy the union. This calls for concrete developments and promises new actions in 2025 if nothing changes.
On December 17, a delegation from the CGT took a surprise visit to the board of directors of the Foix primary health insurance fund (CPAM), in order to denounce the poor working conditions prevailing there, and an increased versatility source of suffering at work. Accusations to which the management then responded by explaining: “What we are talking about is knowing how to pay a daily allowance and answer the telephone”, emphasizing “that the agents are paid over fourteen months, have more than 50 days of leave per year and work varying hours.”
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A response that is too casual in the eyes of the union. “This argument is an insult to our agents, private sector employees on whom we often impose the same remuneration constraints as civil servants,” he responded in turn in a press release dated December 26. Their salaries, not indexed to the minimum wage, have led to a loss of purchasing power of 30% over the last 20 years […].” Elected CGT to the social and economic committee (CSE), Galdric Carrère adds: “That was not the purpose of this action anyway, we have never heard anyone complain about leave or remuneration.”
A 2024 report marked “by numerous serious incidents”
As the union's press release recalls, “the action […] aimed to take stock of the year 2024, a year marked by numerous serious incidents.” And to list “three work accidents due to psychosocial risks and twelve sick leave of more than 30 days directly linked to work”, “an alert from occupational health concerning sixteen people in distress”, as well as five resignations, three transfers and four dismissals which would testify to the deterioration of working conditions in the establishment. In total, according to the union, “these facts concern. At less 20% of the workforce by 2024, not counting those who suffer in silence.”
“The point that causes discomfort for us is the increased versatility required of employees,” points out Galdric Carrère, returning to the union’s main attack. “Management kicked in by explaining that it meant answering the telephone and paying daily allowances, he continues. In fact, it is a merger of seven services into a single center. It is therefore a question of requesting a versatility to people, often recently hired, who are put in difficulty: less training time, less skills, lack of specialization, and deteriorating working conditions and service.”
“These are empty words”
The joint delegation which would have carried out a study on the quality of life at work, the anticipation of long-term absences, the improvement of the integration of new arrivals or the support for supervisors mentioned by the management of the CPAM? “There was indeed an expertise from the CHSCT (health, safety and working conditions committee, Editor’s note), but that dates back a long time ago,” replies Galdric Carrère. “These are empty words, effects announcements which are not based on any reality As part of this new service, they will adjust the agents' activities week by week and that is precisely what we are denouncing.
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The situation is therefore at a standstill, believes the trade unionist. “The CGT will not tolerate the situation getting worse in 2025, announces the press release, all those present have promised to return in greater numbers if the context does not improve.” New actions are therefore to be expected. “It will obviously depend on the situations,” concludes Galdric Carrère. “Occupational medicine, labor inspection, demonstrations… All the legal means and levers that we can activate, we will do so that things finally evolve.”
