Vänsterpartiet proposes working hour reform for Stockholm healthcare staff

The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet) in Region Stockholm is proposing a major labor reform aimed at reducing working hours for approximately 14,000 healthcare workers. The initiative targets staff working in 24/7 operations and emergency care.

The proposal follows a pilot project conducted in the autumn of 2025 involving surgical staff, including anesthesiology and operating room nurses, as well as assistant nurses. Under the pilot model, participants worked a maximum of 34 clinical hours per week, with the remaining time allocated for scheduled recovery.

Proponents argue the reform is necessary to combat the loss of professional competence and the trend of young nurses leaving the field. According to the Left Party, the goal is to allow more staff to work full-time by providing better rest and recovery, addressing issues where many employees currently work part-time due to insufficient recuperation.