Nursing assistants in Finland are preparing to strike starting Tuesday over an ongoing labor dispute in the private social services sector. Both the employer organization, Hali, and the Public and Welfare Sectors Union (JHL) have rejected a settlement proposal presented by the national conciliator on Saturday night. While other parties involved in the negotiations accepted the proposal, the absence of agreement has led to the planned strike, which will affect facilities managed by organizations such as Attendo, Esperi, and Mehiläinen in Northern Finland and the North Ostrobothnia region.

Approximately 72,000 workers, including nursing assistants and personal aides, are employed within the private social services sector, which covers a range of services, such as private elder care facilities, homes for the disabled, emergency shelters, and various health and social service organizations. The dispute has arisen amid negotiations over the collective agreement for this sector, which had been ongoing since November. The previous agreement expired on December 31, 2022, thus highlighting the urgency of achieving a resolution to avoid service disruptions during the planned strike, which is expected to conclude on Thursday.

The implications of this strike are significant, as it could affect a large number of vulnerable populations who rely on social services in Finland. Strikes in the healthcare and social services sectors often draw attention due to their impact on community health and human rights. As negotiations remain unresolved, the situation poses challenges for both the service providers and the unions representing the workers, emphasizing the need for urgent compromise to ensure continued care for those in need.