Childcare services in Monaco faced disruption today as childcare assistants in municipal nurseries went on strike following a call by the union representing state and municipal employees…
The industrial action centres on a demand for five additional days of leave, which staff say would recognise the demanding nature of their work caring for young children.
The strike was approved by nursery staff during a general assembly and reflects growing frustration among childcare assistants who say their request has not been sufficiently addressed. As reported by Monaco Matin, the union argues that the additional leave would acknowledge the physical and emotional pressures associated with working in early childhood care.
Municipal authorities, however, have reiterated that working hours and leave entitlements for public employees are defined by law and currently stand at 37 hours and 30 minutes per week with 27 days of annual leave for childcare assistants. City officials say these conditions comply with the legal framework governing municipal employees.
Depending on the number of staff participating in the strike, some nurseries may be partially affected throughout the day. The municipality said it had anticipated the situation and is attempting to maintain childcare services where possible.
The Early Childhood and Family Service has mobilised teams to minimise disruption, and nursery directors have contacted families directly to inform them of any changes to normal childcare arrangements.
Image: Gautam Arora