The possibility of working 24-hour shifts has been a clear desire from emergency services and personal assistants since it was first reported about EU criticism regarding Swedish 24-hour shifts and the introduction of exemption requirements.
Being allowed to have a 24-hour shift without exemption requirements was a main reason why Kommunal went into conflict and announced a strike. But after the strike is called off and an agreement is concluded, you still need to apply for a dispensation.
– We did not think that we would achieve a different result from an extensive conflict, says Johan Ingelsog, contract secretary at Kommunal.
EU: Exemption is not needed
In a opinion announced by the EU Commission firefighters in Sweden that rescue services can work 24-hour shifts without obtaining a dispensation. This as long as they receive compensatory leave for the eleven hours of rest they miss.
Municipal shares the commission’s assessment that exemptions should not be needed. In the negotiation, however, they could not find a solution.
– We have had a counterparty who was extremely clear that they did not want to meet us on the demands we had, says Ingelsog.
“Beginning to wonder about the Swedish model”
The issue of 24-hour shifts has aroused great commitment among Sweden’s firefighters. But after Kommunal’s agreement, many have lost their commitment and faith in the union.
– We were under the impression that we had taken Municipal with us and that they understood how this affects us. Now we all have our doubts, says Marcus Aronsson, who, in addition to being a firefighter, is also an elected official in Municipal.
He continues:
– One begins to wonder about the Swedish model. We are already seeing members leaving Kommunal.
There will be fewer firefighters
Aronsson fears that more and more people will quit the profession and that fewer people will get an education.
– We work 42 hours a week and have a salary that is far below the median salary in Sweden. Should the shifts be cut further, so that they become more and with shorter rest, then people will not be able to stay in the profession.