Laid off because of long Covid, this is what HUG nurses who are unable to resume their pre-Covid work fear. In Switzerland, the issue of resuming therapy following a long Covid is still little taken into consideration. Yet thousands of people are affected.
A dismissal. After 7 years of good and loyal service as an acute care nurse at the HUG, this prospect of being fired worries Gloria Castro. Diagnosed with a long Covid caught in hospital in November 2020, she can no longer return to her post for health reasons.
After a period of entitlement to salary of 730 calendar days, and having attempted a therapeutic recovery without success, she does not want to be dismissed as the law allows the employer.
Corinne Baudet was able to return to work despite the symptoms of the long Covid. This primary school teacher is now a 40% support teacher. Since her Covid, she has been fighting within the “long Covid Switzerland” association to raise employers’ awareness of this new disease. A guide for HR.
Nearly 5,600 AI applications filed
In Switzerland, the association estimates that around 44,000 people could be affected by a long Covid. Since 2020, nearly 5,600 AI applications have been filed in the cantons. Geneva recorded 350 in 2021 and 2022. Thousands of people therefore concerned but little political relay deplores the association.
For nurses, politicians have taken matters into their own hands. Together on the Left, a party for which Gloria Castro is a candidate for the Grand Council, has tabled an urgent motion in the cantonal parliament. They demand the cancellation of the dismissal procedures. At least 4 nurses are involved.