Karolinska University Hospital Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Retaliation Against Union Involvement
The Swedish Medical Association has initiated legal proceedings against Region Stockholm in the Labor Court, alleging that a physician at Karolinska University Hospital was penalized for their union activities. This case highlights broader concerns regarding the treatment of union representatives within the healthcare sector.
The dispute centers on a physician with multiple union responsibilities whose position, which included additional duties and pay, was terminated after a few years. The physician's supervisor reportedly cited difficulties in balancing the role with the physician's union commitments, resulting in a reduction in salary.
Sofia Rydgren Stale, representing the Medical Association, emphasized the importance of protecting union representatives from retaliation, asserting that such actions violate labor laws and undermine the integrity of union activities. She stated that union representatives should not live in fear of punitive measures for their advocacy.
Compounding the issue, the physician reportedly experienced aggressive behavior from a senior official during a union meeting, during which the physician was reprimanded for seeking information for union members. This reprimand was later deemed a form of discriminatory treatment in a legal investigation.
Witnesses have alleged that the same senior official expressed a desire to physically confront the physician due to their union involvement during a closed meeting. The union argues that such comments signify a violation of the rights of union members and contravene the law governing union representatives.
Rydgren Stale reiterated the union's stance that it is essential to clearly articulate a zero-tolerance policy toward attacks on union representatives. She noted an alarming trend of increasing hostility toward union officials within the Swedish labor market, urging the union to take all necessary measures to combat this development.
Recent reports have surfaced regarding Karolinska University Hospital's personnel policies, which have included suspensions and terminations of staff members, alongside criminal accusations that have often been unfounded. Investigations have frequently concluded without charges, and the hospital has compensated former employees who were forced to resign. There are concerns that some hospital administrators may have engaged in defamation.
As of early June, Region Stockholm responded to the Labor Court, disputing the claims made by the Medical Association. The region maintains that the physician was not discriminated against due to their union involvement and that there were valid reasons for not extending their role. Furthermore, they deny that any verbal confrontation occurred.
Christophe Pedroletti, who became the hospital director in October, has not commented on the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the alleged infringement of union rights. However, he expressed confidence in his management team and their adherence to his leadership direction.
Both the immediate supervisor of the physician and the senior official in question remain employed at the hospital. The physician has opted not to participate in interviews regarding this matter.