Strasbourg: Crisis at the University Hospital Institute: Labor Inspectorate Highlights Numerous Shortcomings

The letter sent to the Strasbourg University Hospital Institute (IHU) on July 2, which we obtained, is three pages long. The labor inspector notes "the shortcomings" she observed during her visit on May 26, just a few days before the arrival of investigators from the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (IGAS) and the General Inspectorate of Education, Sport, and Research (IGESR).

For weeks, the IHU , headed by Christian Debry, has been in crisis. He is accused of having prioritized experimental research on animals , particularly pigs, to the detriment of patient care. In particular, several examinations on cancer patients were reportedly delayed or canceled in order to free up radiographers (Merm) for these experiments. "These serious malfunctions" had been denounced by employees in a letter dated May 14, sent in particular to the labor inspectorate.

The labor inspectorate's letter contains numerous points raised by employees at the time. Starting with the absence of representatives on the social and economic committee (CSE). "It was your responsibility to organize these by-elections," she explains. The inspector also points out the employer's obligation to keep a single personnel register. "This failure constitutes an offense [...] and is punishable by the fine provided for class four offenses."

She points out that the announcement on February 10 by Christian Debry, administrator of the GIE (economic interest group), of the economic difficulties experienced by the medical imaging center "was very badly received by the staff," as we reported. Many employee departures followed. "Please tell me the reasons for the termination of contracts for all staff," she asks, while pointing out another violation of the Labor Code: the lack of a single document for assessing professional risks.

The labor inspector also emphasizes that even if it was "customary" for the GIE employees to work for the IHU's experimental platform dedicated to research – where the experiments on pigs were carried out – the IHU should have had them sign an amendment to their employment contract, in accordance with the Labor Code L8241-2. She therefore requests justification.

Contacted, Christian Debry was unable to respond at the time of publication.

As a reminder, the IHU's medical imaging center remains closed. Of the fourteen employees, only one secretary remains employed. The radiographers, who have not resigned, are on sick leave.