LVSADA disagrees with ministry’s intention to raise lowest medical staff salaries

RIGA - Latvian Trade Union of Health and Social Care Employees (LVSADA) disagrees with the Health Ministry’s proposal to raise the lowest medical staff salaries by five percent, as the trade union unanimously decided today.

LVSADA Chairman Valdis Keris pointed out that the lowest health care workers’ salaries should be raised without increasing hospital debts, reducing salaries to those who receive more or any layoffs. However, the trade union believes that such a possibility is currently out of the question.

LVSADA still insists on drafting the 2013 national budget in accordance with the government's action plan and demands 563 million lats for health care, 3.7 percent of Latvia's gross domestic product. The trade union is also ready to stage protests if its demands are not met.

Health Ministry Budget and Investment Department Director Inara Cernusko explained that next year's health care funds fall short of the trade union's demanded 560 million lats. Therefore LVSADA demands can only be met by looking for additional funds.