More Demonstrations against Imposed Vaccinations for Health Workers in Monaco

In the middle of the week, another demonstration of about 200 people was held in Monaco at Place des Moulins opposite the Europa building. The purpose was to express views in advance of the formal debate before the anticipated passing of the proposed law on the obligation for health workers and related professions to be vaccinated. This time the focus was to represent the views of some caregivers who are part of the 300 caregivers at Princess Grace Hospital.

For over an hour, about ten caregivers exchanged turns to talk about their views or that of some of their colleagues. They talked about their experiences as nurses, stretcher-bearers or caregivers, to express their dedication to their patients and the difficulties of practicing their passionate profession. Some expressed anger and incomprehension about having to be vaccinated…. about having this imposed on them. And because a refusal could, due to the sanctions in the law, lead to losing their caregiver jobs at the hospital, some were worried about the future – both for themselves and for the patients they serve.

Third Demonstration

A third demonstration against the health pass was also authorized in Monaco but shorter than expected and took place this Saturday. It is the third demonstration in less than a week. The demonstration was scheduled for 2 p.m. and had to end before 3:15 p.m.

The question is always to find a balance between freedom of expression and the search for the maintenance of order in the public space was the reported view of Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior.

The available police were also needed to manage the setting up of the Yacht Show, the Classic Week and the supervision of the Monaco-Marseille match.

Proposed Strike Action

The General Secretary of the Union of Hospital Agents (SAH) of the CHPG has called for a strike on Tuesday, from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., just before the bill is considered by elected officials of the Conseil National. The population and all employees of Monaco were invited by the General Secretary to come and support the striking staff at 4.30 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the CHPG. The proposed strike is this Tuesday, September 14 from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

The purpose, according to the Union, is to send an additional message to the Monegasque government and to the Conseil National who are discussing the law. Rather than coercion, they want to promote access to information so that workers can decide in complete freedom their vaccine choice.

Main Thrust of the Proposed Law

The bill essentially provides for the compulsory vaccination of nursing and non-nursing staff (administrative staff, hoteliers, etc.) of an establishment whose mission is to welcome or accommodate vulnerable or fragile people and this even if they are not directly in contact with them.

Beyond these salaried or health professionals, the vaccination imperative applies to volunteers so that the approach is consistent.

In future Proof of Vaccination will be Obligatory with Sanctions for those not Complying

Persons who, within four weeks after the entry into force of the proposed provisions, do not show proof either of their complete vaccination schedule or a certificate of reinstatement, will be automatically suspended from their duties at half salary for four weeks then subsequently without pay.

As for the person who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical contraindication, no remuneration is proposed from the start of his legal suspension and it will then be up to the occupational physician to automatically declare this person permanently unfit to hold his job.