The new agreement was supposed to determine the salaries of health sector workers and upgrading of careers. The trade union had demanded that the reforms that had been decided for the public sector, especially in terms of upgrading careers but also some financial benefits, should apply as well to the health sector. The FHL, according to the OGBL, would only accept this in return for “worse working times (shorter breaks, no carry over of holidays to the following year in case of illness or pregnancy, worse regulations on overtime, etc.).”

On Tuesday 6 June, the OGBL declared that they have put in place a “strike committee” which should prepare the procedure; the vote to strike is planned for Monday 19 June.

In order to minimise disruption for patients, the OGBL is planning to have emergency services for some vital areas ready.