Will it come to a strike of the healers?
It should be reminded that ahead of the adoption of the 2026 budget, the healthcare workers' union demanded funding for a 13 percent salary increase for medical staff next year. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance refused. And today, as reported by the Ministry of Health, the second meeting of the conciliatory commission of the Ministry of Health and the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers' Union (LVSADA) took place. The union's demand for an increase in medical workers' salaries in 2026 was at the center of the negotiations.
The Ministry of Health proposed to seek solutions for salary increases in the 2027 budget, taking into account the progress of the state budget approval and established priorities.
On Thursday, the parties also did not reach an agreement on the use of the legally provided reconciliation method during the negotiations.
The union stated that it would exercise its right to defend its collective interests.
"The Ministry recognizes the seriousness of the situation regarding human resources in healthcare, especially the shortage of nurses, and acknowledges that salary increases are an important factor in retaining specialists and attracting them to public sector jobs to provide state-funded healthcare services. The Ministry advocates for targeted and systematic strengthening of human resources in accordance with the adopted strategy for the development of the healthcare workforce for 2025-2029, as well as regular dialogue with the union and industry professional organizations. In particular, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with LVSADA in 2023 to strengthen human resources in healthcare, and on January 1, 2024, salary increases were ensured in the sector," the Ministry of Health's press release states.
It is still unclear how union activists will act - whether they will organize a warning strike or limit themselves to picketing near the Cabinet and the Saeima.
