The Swedish Nursing Association, Vårdförbundet, has issued a warning of an overtime, additional time, and hiring blockade across the country starting Thursday, April 25 at 4:00 PM, affecting 3,000 employees in the Jönköping County region alone.

This drastic step comes after a staggering 124,000 overtime hours were logged by its members in the region last year, highlighting the severe workload pressures faced by healthcare professionals.

The blockade, impacting midwives, biomedical analysts, nurses, and radiology nurses, is a response to stalled negotiations with the employer, Sweden's municipalities and regions (SKR)/Sobona, over the terms of the collective agreement.

Vårdförbundet's demands include sustainable full-time positions and stable schedules without the constant need for overtime and extra shifts.

The responsibility for the deadlock, according to the union, lies squarely with the employer.