What does the future hold in terms of freedom of association within the Korian group?

Nurse holding hand patient with infusion ©CanStockPhoto racorn

EPSU calls for the withdrawal of legal proceedings against a French trade union delegate

(17 February 2021) Freedom of expression and union action is non-negotiable. However, the question arises within the Korian group, where the CGT central union delegate finds himself accused of "complicity in public defamation of a private individual" after his participation in the 18 November 2020 broadcast on France 3 "Covid-19: what really happens in nursing homes", during which he delivered his analysis on the management of the health crisis.

One step forward, two steps back? At a time when the company has just set up a constructive social dialogue at European level, the initiation of legal proceedings against a trade union delegate questions the direction that the Korian group wishes to lend its future social relations.

EPSU, anxious to promote quality social dialogue in the company, calls for the withdrawal of these legal proceedings. At a time when Covid-19 and its variants are causing havoc to our societies and the most fragile among us, it is necessary that the Korian group management and staff representatives can engage in dialogue calmly within the framework of the existing representation bodies.

The Paris court will rule on 11 March on the follow-up to be given to these legal proceedings. EPSU supports the organisations that will mobilise on that day for the withdrawal of these proceedings and will do its utmost to find a positive solution, in cooperation with the Korian group's management and the trade unions.