Sanok Specialist Hospital faces labor dispute and hunger strike

A labor dispute at the Specialist Hospital in Sanok has escalated following failed negotiations between the Sanok County Board and trade unions. After seven hours of discussions, no agreement was reached regarding the ongoing hunger strike, which involves approximately 50 employees from various professional groups.

A primary point of contention is the demand by the Union of Nurses and Midwives and NSZZ ‘Solidarność’ for the dismissal of the hospital director, Wioletta Kacperska. Union representatives have criticized her management style as “corporate and authoritarian.” In response, Sanok Starosta Robert Pieszczoch stated there are currently no grounds to remove the director and has proposed mediation, though two unions have refused to participate.

The OZZPiP (All-Poland Union of Employees of Health Care Facilities) has issued an ultimatum to the Starosta, demanding specific decisions within 24 hours. Their demands include the dismissal of the director, settlement of unpaid wages and social security contributions, the presentation of a social repair plan, and guarantees for patient safety and protester protection. Unions are also considering legal action and notifying the prosecutor's office regarding unpaid jubilee awards, severance pay, and missing contributions.