Strike in Rybnik Psychiatric Hospital Continues

Nurses and other staff from the psychiatric hospital in Rybnik have been on strike for two weeks already. (See our earlier article for more background on the situation.) The strike seems to have spread; currently 150-200 workers are taking part in it, the original strikers having been joined by medical technicians. The workers are demanding pay raises which were promised in 2007 and the dismissal of the director of the hospital.

Last week a group of four people started a hunger strike. Three of them collapsed or past out and one has been hospitalized. Four other people have taken their place on the hunger strike.

The hospital had promised to give raises in 2007 as the result of a strike. Doctors received rather good raises and have not participated in this strike and even have acted against it. The hospital agreed to pay some raise - but less than what was agreed. For example, nurses with 20 years experience were to receive about 100 euros a month raise, but they were offered about 43 euros. This is for the most experienced of the striking personnel. For some, the raises promised were only about 12 euro a month.

770 people are employed at the hospital.