The ongoing care conflict makes the situation in Uppsala so strained that they are now increasing the compensation for staff who move their holiday.
“We must do what we can to guarantee patient safety during the summer,” comments the regional director.
In Uppsala, there is no strike, but the overtime blockade is a challenge for healthcare, according to the region. Therefore, they are choosing to increase the compensation for those who can consider moving their holiday. 17,000 kronor applies for each postponed week.
“The situation in healthcare is strained due to the blockade of overtime and extra work,” says Johan von Knorring, regional director in Uppsala, in a press release.
"Cannot be ruled out"
Several of the regions affected by the strike have not yet made any decisions regarding cancelled holidays. Region Östergötland is, however, worried about how healthcare will be affected if the strike continues.
“Holidays are planned as usual as far as we know. We cannot, however, rule out moving holiday weeks if the conflict with the Swedish Association of Health Professionals continues,” says healthcare director Ninnie Borendal Wodlin, in a written comment.
In Skåne, there are no decisions on cancelled holidays, but according to chief negotiator Magnus Dahlberg, it may become relevant soon.
Negotiating holidays
Besides Östergötland and Skåne, the strike is ongoing in Stockholm, Västerbotten, and Västra Götaland Region, as well as in Värmland since 11 June. In Västerbotten, local negotiations have begun on whether holidays need to be cancelled.
“It concerns the emergency department at Norrland University Hospital, a unit that must be kept open to the extent that is medically justified. If the conflict continues, additional units may need to make the same planning,” says healthcare director Elisabeth Karlsson in a written comment.
