Elisabeth Karlsson, director of health and medical care at Region Västerbotten.
On April 25, Vårdförbundet in Västerbotten began industrial action, refusing overtime and extra shifts. This work-to-rule impacts all healthcare activities within the region.
Last week, Region Västerbotten acknowledged the indsutrial action's consequences in an internal communication, as reported by VK. The communication outlined disruptions including:
- Canceled healthcare services: Planned procedures and appointments may be affected.
- Reduced patient accessibility: Patients may experience longer wait times or difficulty scheduling appointments.
- Potential impact on staff summer vacations: The work stoppage may force adjustments to staff vacation schedules.
Director of health and medical care, Elisabeth Karlsson, expressed concern about the increased strain on staff due to the work-to-rule. She highlighted the need for rescheduling planned activities at short notice.
Director Karlsson acknowledges the ethical dilemma staff face due to the work-to-rule. "The inability to complete planned activities creates ethical stress for both employees and managers," she writes in the communication.
Vårdförbundet members, along with many other employees, have challenged the information presented in the internal communication, according to VK.
Jenny Olsson, chairperson of the association, refutes the region's claims, stating:
–There are many things the employer writes that we don't agree with. Staff have been experiencing ethical stress long before this conflict began, primarily due to the practice of discharging patients too early.
"Staff are under constant stress and feel overwhelmed," says Jenny Olsson, chairperson of the Swedish Association of Health Professionals in Västerbotten, to VK.
Vårdförbundet is most critical of the employer's reliance on overtime.
– Our members prioritize patient safety and work like everyone else, says Jenny Olsson.
– The current situation is the employer's responsibility, not ours. Blaming our members is disingenuous.
Elisabeth Karlsson, regional healthcare director, acknowledges pre-existing staff stress.
– It's not a new issue, she says to VK.
– We've been actively recruiting for a long time, and we don't blame our employees.
VK asks why planned activities are canceled with staff working regular hours.
– Some activities require on-call staff for emergencies, explains Karlsson.
– With the work-to-rule, on-call scheduling disrupts regular hours.
Shorter work weeks are a key demand for Vårdförbundet.
– It's essential for staff well-being and sustainable work conditions will attract more people back to healthcare, says Olsson.
VK asks Karlsson if shorter hours could improve staff availability.
– Negotiations are ongoing, so I can't comment, however, I hope both parties reach an agreement and move forward. A functioning healthcare system is critical, says Karlsson.
VK inquires about the union's demands.
Vårdförbundet wouldn't resort to conflict unless the change was something they believed in, says Karlsson.
The union threatens to expand the work-to-rule to 29 municipalities, including Skellefteå, if no agreement is reached.