In a joint statement on Monday, the unions accused the AMMD of showing disregard for workers in an already understaffed sector, stressing that hospitals must remain attractive employers to ensure adequate care. They also noted that salary developments for hospital staff are tied to those in the public sector.
Their reaction follows AMMD’s recent criticism of the new collective agreement with the hospital federation, which includes substantial pay rises for hospital staff – something AMMD sees as irresponsible given the deficits at the national health insurance fund (CNS). The AMMD also accused members of the CNS board, particularly those affiliated with unions or the Chamber of Employees, of having conflicts of interest.
The unions dismissed this accusation as absurd, stressing that, as with other social security institutions, CNS is jointly managed and financed by the state, employers, and employees. According to the unions, spending on private practice medicine has grown faster in recent years than spending on hospitals.
