More than 70 doctors at Asker and Bærum emergency services resigned in protest over pay and benefits

During the weekend, the number of doctors who resigned at Asker and Bærum emergency services increased to over 70, newspaper Budstikka reports. 

The emergency room doctors resigned after negotiations with the municipality broke down, Budstikka reports.

On Friday night, it became known that around 50 doctors had resigned due to the conflict. 

Municipal manager for health and social affairs in Bærum Grete Syrdal stated that the municipality presented a “very good” offer to the doctors.

The doctors disagreed. 

During the weekend, more resignations were submitted.

“Not paid if we get sick”

The dispute is primarily about sickness benefits related to the ongoing corona pandemic.

The doctors believe they are not secured well enough financially in the event of infection and demand a new, temporary wage agreement adapted to the risk of the coronavirus.

“As it is now, we do not get paid if we get sick. The agreement that was presented to us did not provide enough security. 

“We believe the requirements we have submitted are reasonable,” Germar Schneider of the Norwegian Medical Association trade union said on Friday.

Not worried about Christmas

The resignations will not affect the operation of the municipality’s health service through Christmas.

“They have a four-week notice period, so we are not worried about the operations during the Christmas holidays,” Syrdal told NTB on Saturday night.

She told Budstikka that the parties have not met this weekend and that it is uncertain whether and when they would meet again.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today