Delays in settling financial claims of health workers in Mauritania have raised fears of growing tension in the sector, after the General Union of Labour and Health in Mauritania (UGTSM) warned of mounting complaints from workers who have not received payments dating back to the end of last year and to periods of the current year.
In a statement, the union said discontent was no longer confined to a single facility but had spread to its branches in the various regions, as remote-posting and on-call allowances, professional promotion entitlements for nurses, transport-related entitlements and the salaries of some new employees remain delayed.
The union linked the worsening situation to the rising cost of living, especially for staff working outside the capital, saying the delay in financial entitlements adds to the pressures this group faces. It called on the health minister to intervene with the relevant financial authorities to speed up the settlement of the files, warning that if the situation continues it could lead to an escalation of protests.
The union also welcomed the government's announcement that it intends to raise salaries and improve pensions, but stressed that the announced measures must actually be reflected in employees' situation, alongside the settlement of the accumulated arrears.
