Despite the fact that Pohde had already implemented cutbacks and held dozens of cooperation negotiations during its existence, it still decided to announce cooperation negotiations covering 18,000 employees
– When there have been nearly 50 cooperation negotiations in just over three years, savings have been made, and yet further savings and cuts are still being demanded, the problem clearly lies with the funding. The wellbeing services counties cannot carry out their duties unless the government sorts out their funding. At the moment, with these constant demands for cutbacks, there is absolutely no predictability in our operations, says Tehy President Millariikka Rytkönen.
Tehy considers the consultation procedure covering the entire workforce to be problematic, as it puts every employee on edge. This, too, shows that the employer no longer really has any sensible options for making savings.
Finland cannot afford to leave the matter unaddressed
The funding for wellbeing services counties must also be sorted out since failing to address this issue comes at a cost. The majority of the expenses arise from the loss of working capacity. If the wellbeing services counties are continuously depleted, there is a risk of losing working capacity due to both exhausted nursing staff and patients who are left untreated or have to wait in long lines.
– Finland already stands out in a negative light in international comparisons when it comes to access to healthcare. The fact that people are not receiving treatment comes at a surprisingly high cost. Most of the costs do not appear in the healthcare budget but in the labour market and social security, says Anni Marttinen, Chief Economist at Tehy.
Particularly during the current government term, the focus has been narrowly on how much social and healthcare services cost and how savings can be made. Less attention is paid to the question of how much it costs when the system does not work properly.
Overall safety must be taken into account
Social and healthcare services and the professionals who provide them are an integral part of Finland’s overall safety and security of supply. This must also be taken into account when making decisions on funding: sufficient funds must be allocated to the public sector, not least because it plays a vital role in overall safety and security of supply.
– The welfare sector is reporting that the cuts are already making it difficult for people to cope with everyday life. I have to ask: how on earth are we going to cope with a potential crisis if things carry on like this?, says Jarkko Pehkonen, Director of Advocacy at Tehy.
Enquiries:
Tehy President Millariikka Rytkönen. Requests for interviews through Special Advisor Mila Huovinen, tel. +358 40 054 0005, [email protected]
Jarkko Pehkonen, Director of Advocacy at Tehy, [email protected], tel. +358 40 531 5464