Latvian healthcare workers demand 30% pay rise and minister's resignation

The Council of the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade Union (LVSADA) has announced plans to organize a protest picket outside the Cabinet of Ministers. The union is demanding the resignation of Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri and a minimum 30% pay increase for all healthcare workers in the 2027 state budget.

LVSADA cited insufficient wages, staff shortages, and excessive workloads as primary concerns. While the Ministry of Health previously indicated that 228.7 million euros would be required for a 25.4% salary increase, a draft Cabinet response regarding the 2027 budget identifies a need for 663 million euros for the healthcare sector but allocates only 45.2 million euros for human resources. The union is also calling for a review of minimum monthly salary regulations and the introduction of a regular pay review mechanism.