Health and social services sector: And Gueusseum announces a 48-hour total strike on October 29 and 30, 2026

The Alliance of Autonomous Health Unions (ASAS) and Gueusseum are taking a tougher stance against what they consider to be delaying tactics by the government. The union platform has announced its 18th action plan, including a 48-hour total strike on Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th, 2026, to demand the fulfillment of commitments made to health and social care workers.

The standoff between the government and the ASAS And Gueusseum union is far from over. Faced with persistent delays in implementing commitments made to workers, the union platform has announced a further escalation of its mobilization. In its 18th action plan, published on October 18, 2026, in Dakar, it is planning a 48-hour total strike on October 29 and 30.

Titled "Diomaye Breaks Macky's Record for Delays!", the document reflects the exasperation of union leaders, who denounce the lack of a definitive resolution to outstanding demands. Their stated objective remains the effective implementation of the remaining gains inherited from the previous regime.

A turnout of between 90% and 98% was announced.

To justify this new stage in the struggle, And Gueusseum relies on the results of its 17th action plan. According to the National Directorate, the strike calls, the withholding of health and social information, and the boycott of certain activities were maintained throughout the country, with participation rates reported between 90% and 98%.

The trade union platform points out that the regime of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is now on its 18th action plan, compared to 17 under the presidency of Macky Sall, before the signing of agreements described as historic, substantial and unprecedented in favor of Health and Social Action workers, all socio-professional categories combined.

And Gueusseum, however, points out that it responded to the call from the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene. The delegation from the National Directorate hoped for a swift meeting with the Prime Minister to find a solution to this ongoing social conflict, in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility.

President Diomaye Faye was summoned

The financial argument put forward by the authorities to justify the delays has not convinced union leaders. And Gueusseum believes that the budgetary constraints cited must also take into account workers' claims and the state's obligations towards them.

The platform is thus directly appealing to the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, urging him to personally grasp the gravity of the crisis. For the union members, a clearly stated political will could prevent social, economic, and health consequences.

They warn against delaying tactics, attempts to divide and diversionary strategies, which are considered incapable of providing a lasting solution to the demands.

A program of struggle that goes beyond the strike

Beyond the 48-hour work stoppage, the 18th action plan includes the continuation of several pressure measures. These include withholding health and social data, and holding general assemblies to strengthen mobilization and raise workers' awareness of the issues at stake in the struggle.

The boycott of coordination and supervision meetings, as well as extra-mural activities of the National Tuberculosis Control Program, is also among the measures announced.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 will be dedicated to evaluating this new action plan and determining the next steps of the movement.

And Gueusseum asserts its union autonomy

In its document, ASAS also clarifies its position regarding the Economic and Social Stability Pact. It specifies that it is not a signatory to this agreement and reiterates that it is a platform for unified action bringing together unions representing health, social services, and local government workers, and not a central trade union federation.

The National Directorate thus intends to pursue its own dynamic of struggle, without engaging in battles in which the platform has not been associated.

While reaffirming its solidarity with purely social struggles, in accordance with its deliberations, And Gueusseum calls on its members to consolidate cohesion, solidarity and commitment around a minimal platform of demands.

At the heart of this mobilization is the demand for rights that workers believe they have not obtained since May 31, 2022.

Ultimately, the union platform calls on the government to honor its commitments, which it considers essential for restoring trust, preserving social peace, and achieving sustainable development. This appeal takes on particular significance as we approach October 29 and 30, the dates on which healthcare and social services workers are called to observe a 48-hour total strike.