Social Services, Transparency & Corruption, Restructuring, Serbia, Moldova, Latvia, Armenia

The LVSADA health union has managed to negotiate an agreement to tackle problems arising from a restructuring of the ambulance service. A reduction of night shifts meant an increase in waiting times particularly in the Latgale, Vidzeme and Zemgale regions, creating problems for staff and difficulties for patients. The union formally announced a dispute with the ambulance service management, highlighting the constitutional commitment to emergency medical care as a human right. However, it was possible to resolve the situation before the union took any action.

EPSU has written to the Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Public Administration raising concerns about a proposed new public sector pay system. The letter was sent in support of the Trade Union of Health and Social Care that has raised concerns about the system and planned classification of jobs. These have been developed without the involvement of the trade unions and involve negative changes to the current salary structure and job classification system.