The ongoing conflict between Vårdförbundet and SKR reached new levels on Tuesday when 2,000 healthcare workers went on strike.
There have been negotiations between the parties in the past, but now the situation is frozen. At the moment, no talks are taking place at all, the union and SKR announce when they meet for a debate in Aktuellt.
Conflict between the Healthcare Association and the employers
Nurse Per in Umeå about the strike: “Can’t sacrifice more”
Residents in Jönköping County on the care conflict: “It’s about time”
– It’s about the fact that we have met a “no no no” to our most important question and that the members already today can’t take it, says Sineva Ribeiro, the union president of the Healthcare Association.
Want to look at other solutions
The conflict is primarily about the fact that SKR does not go along with the Vårdförbundet’s demand for shorter working hours, which they believe would improve the members’ working situation.
SKR instead wants to look at other solutions as it is believed that shortened working hours would rather worsen the situation.
– We do not see that our solution is to go into general reductions in working hours, on the other hand, we think it is important to resume the negotiations, says Ulf Olsson and continues:
– Already today, it is difficult to solve staffing and if we go into general reductions in working hours, it will be even more difficult.
SKR wants to bring in mediators
SKR says they are prepared to bring in mediators to move forward in the conflict. However, the Vårdförbundet stands by the demand for shorter working hours and that negotiations with mediators are only on the table if the issue is raised.
– If you are prepared to actually solve the issue of reduced working hours, which is our demand, then it goes without saying, says Sineva Riberio.