Paris emergency social services: the CGT union ends its 57-day strike

The strike by employees of the Paris emergency social services (Samu social) ended after 57 days of action. A settlement agreement was signed on August 18 by the CGT union, which believes it obtained sufficient commitments regarding wages and working conditions. The union intends to monitor their implementation in the coming months.

Since June 23, 115 hotline operators, educators, and social workers had also been denouncing the eviction of families previously housed during the Cold Weather Emergency Plan. Approximately 400 people joined the movement and occupied the steps of the Samu Social (emergency social services) building for several weeks. The encampment was finally cleared by law enforcement on August 13.

Revaluations and new guarantees

The agreement includes a pay increase for 115 emergency hotline operators, a 45-minute break without taking calls at the start of each shift, and more team meetings. A €150 gross overtime bonus related to the Cold Weather Plan is also to be paid. The bonus for multilingual employees could increase from €30 to €125 following a board vote scheduled for October.

The end of the strike, however, does not resolve the issue of the lack of emergency accommodation. Nearly 250 people reportedly set up camp in front of the Paris Centre town hall after the encampment was evacuated, while the CGT union promises to remain mobilized in support of families without solutions. The government is scheduled to meet with staff representatives in September to discuss funding, accommodation capacity, and the impact of public policies on the services provided by the Samu Social (emergency social services).