Social Services

A new report from the UK-based Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR ) argues that fair pay agreements (FPAs) could help improve wages, working conditions, and workforce stability in specific sectors. While the report focuses on the UK, its findings have broader relevance for countries with weak sectoral bargaining structures. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has renewed its call for sectoral collective bargaining on pay in response to the report. FPAs are sector-wide agreements that set minimum pay and working conditions through negotiations between trade unions and

Since 7 March, workers at the Belgrade City Center for Social Work , organised by the Trade Union of Health and Social Care Workers "Nezavisnost," have been striking against understaffing, excessive workloads, and low wages. W orkers are calling for urgent measures to improve staffing levels, reduce excessive workloads, and introduce fair wages that reflect the complexity and responsibility of their jobs. They also demand an end to temporary contracts, Instead of addressing these concerns, employers have responded with salary cuts and threats of dismissal. Further escalating tensions, Zoran

Turkish trade unions have launched several industrial actions in response to unfair dismissals, union-busting, and deteriorating working conditions across multiple sectors. On 6 March, Hizmet-iş protested against the local municipality’s dismissal of 14 union members and pressure on 1,300 others to resign from the union. The dispute follows failed collective bargaining talks with Altındağ Municipality’s which refused to honour a previous agreement and attempted to roll back wage increases. Union representatives condemned the employer’s actions and vowed to resist until all dismissed workers

Fórsa and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have served notice for industrial action in Ireland’s public health system, starting on 31 March 2025. The dispute stems from chronic understaffing, worsened by a government-imposed hiring freeze that has left critical healthcare positions unfilled. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and publicly funded Section 38 hospitals have faced escalating recruitment restrictions since 2023. What began as a limited hiring pause expanded into a full freeze, preventing the replacement of vacant posts. Despite repeated union demands, the HSE has

Healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action in a ballot initiated by SIPTU . The ballot saw 96% support for industrial action on a 70% turnout, highlighting strong backing for the union’s demands. Section 39 organisations, which are privately owned charities and agencies contracted by the State employ thousands of workers who will be affected by the action. The dispute involves 21 organisations that provide essential health and social care services, including disability services, elder care, home support, mental health services, and

Workers at the City Center for Social Work (GCSR) in Belgrade, represented by the GS ZSZ Nezavisnost trade union , went on strike on 24 February 2025 after months of unaddressed demands regarding working conditions, staffing shortages, and financial insecurity. Despite a significant increase in workload, there has been no corresponding rise in staffing levels, leaving workers overwhelmed. The union previously held a warning strike on 24 January, but management failed to engage in meaningful negotiations, prompting the escalation to a full strike. The industrial action in Belgrade was part of a

On 13 March, the Slovak Trade Union of Health and Social Services (SOZ ZaSS ) is leading a protest in Bratislava to demand fair pay and better working conditions for workers in social service and underpaid staff in the healthcare sector. The demonstration, held during the Conference of Chairmen of Basic Organisations, will take place under the slogan “Our hands are full of work, our pockets are empty.” The union is making it clear: workers have had enough. Inflation is driving up living costs, workloads are increasing, and wages remain too low for many to support their families. Staff

The Swedish government has presented a bill to strengthen protections for public sector workers against violence, threats, and harassment. The Union for Professionals, Akademikerförbundet SSR has welcomed the proposal, stressing that such protections are urgently needed, particularly in social services, where many workers face daily risks. While the union sees the bill as a positive step, it argues that legislation alone will not resolve the problem. Authorities at all levels must take greater responsibility for improving both the physical and psychological work environment for public sector

The German public service union Ver.di has called for a nationwide warning strike in hospitals, care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and emergency services on 6 March. The action follows growing frustration over stalled negotiations in the federal and municipal public service sector, where employers failed to present an offer in the second bargaining round in mid-February. Ver.di is demanding an 8% pay rise, or at least €350 more per month, alongside higher bonuses for work during stressful and inconvenient hours. It is also calling for an increase of €200 per month for training allowances