Slovak doctors to stage strike

Encouraged by the success of Czech doctors in pursuing a wage increase and reform of the healthcare sector, the Slovak Union of Specialists (SLÚŠ), supported by the Slovak Medical Chamber, Union of Doctors and Slovak Chamber of Nurses and Midwives (SKSAPA), has announced a protest set for March 9.

The SLÚŠ say they are demonstrating against "a mess caused by bad conditions, overwhelmed doctors and low wages," and they created the unifying motto "Thank You, But We Are Fed Up."

The one-hour strike results from long-term discontent that has seen large numbers of doctors move abroad from Slovakia, including to the Czech Republic. The union says the present situation is unsustainable, but they have nonetheless faced various rejections to calls for increased pay from the Health Ministry, which sites a lack of resources. Union leaders say they are pursuing a wage increase similar to that which was recently granted in the Czech Republic.