Jammerbugt Municipality to improve working conditions for home care workers after employee feedback

Home care workers in Jammerbugt Municipality are set to receive better working conditions following critical feedback from employees and the trade union FOA regarding their overwhelming workloads. Reports have emerged of staff needing to change sanitary products in their work vehicles and eating lunch while driving due to a lack of time for breaks.

Following a meeting between the municipality and FOA, it has been agreed that staff meetings will be held across all home care departments to allow employees to share their experiences. “Now we will work together to make progress on this issue,” stated Ib Nellemann, chair of the municipality’s social and health committee.

FOA Nordjylland expressed satisfaction with the municipality’s willingness to address concerns. “It is unacceptable that workers who come to perform tasks cannot take breaks or use the restroom,” remarked Jesper Hermansen, sector chairman for the social and health area. Hermansen attributed the poor working conditions to budget cuts, a claim that Jammerbugt Municipality has denied. “I have a strong sense that Jammerbugt Municipality will investigate this and correct the situation,” he added.

Home care worker Rikke Dalsgaard, active in the northern part of the municipality, welcomed the prospect of improved workplace conditions but finds the commitment to staff meetings somewhat vague. “Home care has been under pressure for many years. I hope this is the start of a positive process, especially the involvement of staff,” she noted.

According to FOA, four home care workers in Jammerbugt Municipality have resigned recently, and it is estimated that at least ten others have taken sick leave due to work-related stress.