Chanting The social is not for sale!
, nearly 1,500 individuals rallied in Nantes’ rue Crébillon on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, to voice their concerns over the state of the medico-social and health sectors. The demonstration highlighted growing discontent with eroding working conditions,stagnant wages,and dwindling institutional funding.
Deepening Crisis: Dehumanization and Resource Depletion
The protest commenced at Place Royale at 11 a.m., with demonstrators marching through the city, pausing at Place Graslin before converging in front of the Loire-Atlantique Departmental Council building. The participants, including specialized educators, social workers, and child psychiatrists, collectively lamented what they described as a dehumanization
of their professions.
Sylvie Baranger, a CFDT Health-Social representative in Loire-Atlantique, expressed the sentiment: We are essential but invisible. For years, our sectors have not been recognized. There is real anger today.
This statement encapsulates the frustration felt by many in the sector, who believe their vital contributions are consistently overlooked.
“We are essential but invisible. For years, our sectors have not been recognized. There is real anger today.”
Sylvie Baranger, CFDT Health-Social representative in Loire-Atlantique
Bernard Valin, a union delegate at FSU 44, further emphasized the issue: There is a drop in means and thus a deterioration in working conditions. Though, there are more and more families to take charge.
This resource scarcity exacerbates the challenges faced by professionals already grappling with complex and demanding caseloads.
“There is a drop in means and therefore a deterioration in working conditions. Though,there are more and more families to take charge.”
Bernard Valin, union delegate at FSU 44
Impact on Professionals: Burnout and Loss of Purpose
The combination of increased demand and reduced resources is creating a perfect storm, leading to widespread exhaustion at work
and a profound loss of meaning among medico-social professionals. This burnout not only affects the well-being of the workers but also compromises the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations.
According to a recent study by the National Observatory of Social Work (ODAS), burnout rates among social workers have increased by 15% in the last five years, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
Looking Ahead: National Mobilization Planned
In response to the ongoing crisis, unions have announced a national day of action and mobilizations scheduled for the week of May 12. Their message is clear: We want to be heard.
The unions aim to bring national attention to the plight of medico-social workers and advocate for increased funding,improved working conditions,and greater recognition of their essential role in society.