Nursing Association demands shorter working hours – employer side says no. The ongoing strike can become a prolonged story, says researcher Christer Thörnqvist.
If the parties do not reach a solution by Tuesday at 11 am, the ongoing healthcare strike will be further extended.
The point of contention is about shortened working hours. So far, the parties seem to be holding firm in their respective positions.
The employer side, with Sweden's Municipalities and Regions (SKR) and Sobona, believes that a reduction in working hours is impossible, it costs too much. The union itself has said that it is willing to go as far as necessary. Both sides suggest that the strike may continue for a while, according to Thörnqvist.
Is there a chance to agree on some kind of shortened working hours?
A agreement could give a breakthrough for other professional groups. The Kommunal trade union also demands shorter working hours. Christer Thörnqvist believes, however, that they have been a bit cautious about driving the issue.
The Nursing Association has submitted a proposal for shortened working hours of 15 minutes a day, which SKR has rejected. Christer Thörnqvist does not see the union backing down from its demand at first.
According to Thörnqvist, it will take some time before the union's strike fund runs out. What could instead become problematic for the Nursing Association is public opinion.
