"We're ramping up production to prepare 18,000 meals by Thursday ahead of a potential strike," says Andreas Åhlund, unit manager. "Municipal chefs have volunteered to work extra shifts, and it's truly inspiring to see this team's dedication."
Skellefteå high school students have been hit by a lack of school lunches since Monday due to a strike notice issued by the municipal union.
The municipality prioritizes ensuring meal services for preschools, schools, and elder care facilities during the strike. Therefore, all kitchen staff will be centralized at Aromköket which primarily serves hospitals and home care.
Approximately 60 municipal employees are affected by the strike notice, which also impacts some cleaning services.
Unlike elementary schools, Sweden doesn't legally require high schools to provide lunch. This is one of the factors considered in the decision to prioritize younger students.
High school students will be dismissed for lunch during the strike period. Starting Tuesday, they can bring their own meals or eat outside the school.
Aromköket's unit manager Andreas Åhlund, says they aim to produce 18,000 meals before the potential strike begins on Thursday. Since Monday, staff have been working extended shifts and supplemented with personnel from various Skellefteå school kitchens.
During a visit by Norran reporters, most staff were too busy preparing for the potential strike to be interviewed. Geng Lundqvist, a chef usually stationed at a local school, offered some insights on her first day at Aroma Kitchen.
–It's certainly stressful, she admitted:
– But everyone's incredibly skilled and willing to help. We're all doing our best to prepare.
Geng Lundqvist is now among those working shifts to guarantee meals for patients at Skellefteå hospital and the municipality's care recipients in case of a strike starting this Thursday.
Kommunal announced a strike after negotiations with the employer organizations Sweden's municipalities and regions (SKR) and Sobona stalled.