SuPer and Tehy industrial action for rescue programme
Citizens believe that resolving the shortage of nurses is essential for the future of social and health care, and raising the wage level in the sector is seen as a key way to do this. This was revealed by a survey commissioned by SuPer and Tehy on the shortage of nurses and ways to resolve it, conducted by Kantar Public during the past week.
The Finnish Union of Practical Nurses – SuPer and The Union of Health and Social Care Professionals – Tehy were on strike from 1st April with 25 000 health care professionals. The strike designated for six hospital districts was running for 14 days.
At the moment there is also a ban on overtime work and a ban on changing of shifts for all members working in municipalities.
An offer for a deal from the National Conciliator was rejected by the Council of Tehy and the Council of SuPer unanimously. The offer failed to show any improvements in the working conditions nor in the salaries.
SuPer and Tehy have proposed a rescue program to tackle the shortage of social and health care professionals and to improve the working conditions. Unions have proposed an extra 3.6 per cent increase annually over the next 5 years on top of the standard pay increase.
Another strike warning for 35 000 more health professionals was issued by unions. This strike was cancelled due to proposed legislation which would force members to work in the name of patient safety thus making strikes inaffective.
Both union´s councils gave permission to start planning mass resignation in case there will be no willingness for negotiations and agreement.