On 5 November, SuPer participated in the Care Workers’ Parliament event (Frontline carers come to Brussels for the first Care Workers’ Parliament | EPSU) organised by EPSU (European Association of Public Sector Associations) in Brussels.
On 5 November, SuPer participated in the Care Workers’ Parliament event (Frontline carers come to Brussels for the first Care Workers’ Parliament | EPSU) organised by EPSU (European Association of Public Sector Associations) in Brussels.
At the event, SuPer and other EPSU affiliates were able to influence EU decision-makers on issues related to the health care sector in particular: working conditions, the future of the sector and employees’ concerns regarding wages and occupational safety, for example.
Healthcare professionals are struggling with similar challenges both here in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. Common challenges include constant economic austerity, violence in the workplace and the conflict between the demands of work and pay. At the event, SuPers members had the opportunity to convey their greetings directly to the European decision-makers.
The Nordic perspective was represented at the event by the Swedish Practical Nurse Hanna Östeby, who gave an emotional speech. She said that she loves her job and that she does it with all her heart. She is often told that she is the mainstay of the entire system – but when the conversation turns to her salary, she is suddenly “too expensive”.
Unfortunately, this is also known in Finland. In recent weeks, we have repeatedly been told that the nurse’s pay increases are the cause of the financial difficulties of the wellbeing services counties. This, of course, is not true. This false image that blames the caregivers must change. The nurses have earned their wages.
– Harri Järvelin
We work with international advocacy in close cooperation with our European colleagues precisely because we are stronger together. Together, we can influence misconduct in a more effective and visible way. Together, we can make our voices heard better, and we believe that at some point, decision-makers will also understand that without carers and well-functioning social and health care in the public sector, there is no safe society that secures the future.
The lack of money in social welfare and health care will not be solved by sending professionals into unemployment. It is a societal value choice to take care of the entire population. The most expensive thing is not to provide care. In Finland and many other EU countries, the population is ageing and the need for care and support will increase in the coming years.
The Care Workers’ Parliament was just the beginning of a series of events aimed at influencing EU decision-makers and public opinion. Our message is clear: without you, dear members, there will be no health, no safe care—and no welfare.