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Latvian healthcare worker wage protests

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2026-09-29 04:33 UTC → 2026-09-29 06:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Healthcare and social care workers in Latvia have initiated protests and picket actions to demand significant wage increases and government reform. The Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade Union (LVSADA) has called for a minimum 30% pay rise in the 2027 state budget and the resignation of Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri, citing excessive workloads and staff shortages. Labor organizations highlight a significant gap between Latvian medical salaries and the EU average. While some union members seek raises of up to a quarter of current salaries, the Latvian Association of Family Physicians (LĢĀA) is also advocating for a 30% increase. On September 29, 2026, approximately 1,000 participants gathered in front of the government building in Riga to protest. While the initial demand was a 30% increase, discussions have surfaced regarding a compromise figure of 25.4%, which would necessitate an estimated 228.7 million euros. Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri stated that while wage increases are necessary, a 30% hike remains uncertain due to slow economic growth and the prioritization of national security in the budget. He noted that the government aims for healthcare funding to reach at least 12% of government spending, which would require an additional 400-500 million euros. Protesters and the Latvian Free Trade Unions (LBAS) argue that chronic underfunding contributes to massive economic losses—estimated between 800 million and 1 billion euros annually—due to premature mortality, medicine shortages, and the loss of human resources. Concerns remain regarding the government's budget allocations, as current drafts indicate a discrepancy between the total funds needed for the healthcare sector and the specific amount allocated for human resources.

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