Tribune. The situation of institutions, services, shelters, care, for the elderly, people with disabilities, precarious or homeless, struggling with addictions, child protection, is in imminent danger! With a risk as to the quality of accompaniment of the people entrusted or followed.
In question? The loss of attractiveness of social and medical-social professions. The feedback from the associations shows a lack of 10% to 15% of employees (30% to 40% in some structures, excluding palliative emergency solutions), according to data compiled by the member associations of the National Interfederal Union of works and private health and social organizations. Almost 64,000 positions are currently vacant, according to the interdepartmental delegation for accommodation and access to housing (Dihal).
Who can accept that his children, his parents, his elders, his friends are treated like this? Who has not measured the importance and value of this work by taking care of a vulnerable child, a person with loss of autonomy, a disability, exclusion or suffering from illness himself? Public authorities sometimes stress the importance of these social workers, but never link it to a wage valuation.
Keep staff in function
How to attract young people to these professions whose social and solidarity character interests them but who give up, in view of the proposed salaries, constraints in terms of work rhythm or the impossibility of housing? Social workers, educators, social assistants, nurses, home helpers, socio-educational animators, childcare workers, medical and pedagogical assistants, social and family education advisers, educators of young children, peer workers … so many noble professions at the service of others, especially the most vulnerable.
Today, the first emergency is to keep the staff in office. The health crisis represented an accelerator of departures, amplified by the lack of recognition, despite the remarkable commitment of all these people during the pandemic, without protection, without support, and prioritizing the maintenance of social connection to the health risks incurred.
No salary enhancement, for some, not even a Covid bonus … The salary aspects have always been either hidden, deferred or reserved for caregivers, for whom it was obviously indisputable and indispensable. It is inconceivable not to extend these revaluations to the social professions, which are essential for the respect and dignity due to all human beings.
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