During the pandemic, a medical union led by Valdis Kera stood out with a peculiar action, convening participants to a full-time congress during an emergency. 74 delegates from all over Latvia should come there, reports TV3 Than personal.
The program notes that several of the delegates opposed the management plans and wrote that every doctor is important now, and that the gathering is a threat to their health and the health of others. As the infection spreads, it would be irresponsible to support such measures. However, the union leadership did not listen to them.
The Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade Union (LVSADA) is the largest in its industry. It represents more than 10,000 members from all over Latvia. Basically, the association is fighting for the salaries of doctors and social workers, is in constant dialogue with the government about changes in regulations in this area. Valdis Keris has been at the head of the trade union for 15 years. His term ends at the end of this year and the Congress must be re-elected. Delegates from hospital trade unions have the right to vote.
In this case, up to 70 people would come from different regions in one place and stay in the same premises for a long time.
The date of the Congress – December 1 – was set even before the declaration of the state of emergency. In the outbreak itself, delegates wrote to Kerim that the measure should be postponed, as epidemiological safety must not be jeopardized at a time when every employee in a medical institution is indispensable, notes Than personal.
LVSADA Congress Delegate, Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) Brigade Support Center The coast Raphael Ciekur, head of state, said: “I understand that with this invitation to participate in this congress, I am called to violate epidemiological safety.”
However, the delegates received an answer from Valdis Kera that the congress is neither an entertainment nor a recreational event, but a working meeting, which is allowed by law. He referred to the Register of Enterprises, which explained that general meetings of members were not prohibited.
“We were not lazy, we contacted the Center for Disease Prevention and Control and made it clear to us that there could be no indoor gatherings for 40-70 people. Because, according to the government’s decision, there is an emergency situation that prohibits the creation of any public events, “Ciekurs points out to the program.
LVSADA RPNC Psychiatric center Indire Ozola, the chairwoman of the trade union, says: It is a public measure, and there is a definition in the law of a public measure. But there is also a definition of what a meeting is and, according to the government, it can only take place outdoors, according to the rules. ”
Kerry heard the objections, but continued to work on organizing the congress in person. His main argument is that if the Congress were abolished, the trade union would no longer have the right to operate and would not be able to represent the interests of its members.
The congress was scheduled for December 1 by the conference center Atta In a hall of 1,500 square meters.
On Tuesday, November 17, Valdis Keris signed the congressional regulations. They stipulate that patients who are subject to self-isolation or quarantine must not attend the event. Delegates must wear face masks, seats will be numbered. Physical distance must be observed. Participants are also not allowed to post material filmed during the event on social networks without the consent of others.
The procedure of wearing masks, isolating the sick and numbering seats indoors is not a special addition to the safety regulations devised by the trade union. This is already provided for in the existing government regulation. The only news from the union is a ban on sharing material filmed during the congress on the Internet, the show notes.
“We have more fear and more responsibility for others, not so much for ourselves. I don’t go anywhere without a mask and I can’t show up at work without a mask. Sit somewhere in the hall, well, the distance is great. But I will be a violator anyway. It is my belief that this is a violation. I’m not going. Although I am delegated to go there, I cannot endanger others, »says Ozola.
Ciekurs, on the other hand, says: “Temida’s eyes are closed and there must be a balance in the weight cups. And we must be particularly responsible from the doctors who give these signals of social responsibility to the public at all times. Looking at this congressional program, the essence of the event is clear. The new chairman must be re-elected and the new board must be re-elected. I am absolutely convinced that Kerry will re-apply himself and will do his best to keep his position despite the emergency. “
Neither the board nor the council of the medical union has tried the possibility to communicate digitally. According to Kerer, the statutes provide for leadership to be elected by secret ballot. It cannot be provided remotely, so the congress must take place in person.
Asked if he would have agreed to participate if this congress had taken place remotely, Ozola replies: “Yes, of course! It is the 21st century. Why not host remotely? We all know that. It does not require special knowledge. A lot is happening remotely now. Laws are passed remotely. The government works remotely. Why can’t one congress be held remotely? It is easy to know. The union has enough money because we pay out of our membership every month and that’s enough – 35 percent – and it’s not a small amount. ”
The union’s budget is not small. According to the reports of the company’s register, it receives more than 400,000 euros in membership fees every year.
Kerry has been at the forefront of this union for three consecutive terms. He signed a controversial cooperation agreement with a political party Consistency and was also ready to help her before the election. Kerim has been facing stiff competition lately. Young doctors are successfully fighting for their rights.
Although the statutes provide that members have the right to receive information about the work of the union, Kerry does not disclose his and his deputy’s remuneration. He is not an official and this information is protected by data protection.
“Delegates, of course, have the right to know the necessary information, but within the protection of the law. But so that there is no speculation, I can discover that it is commensurate with a good doctor’s salary, “says Kerry.
With an explanation of government regulations broadcast Than personal addressed the Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (JV). Karina said in the office that gatherings and events are limited for the benefit of public health. Associations must also follow the rules and be invited to attend meetings remotely so as not to put them at risk of health and life. Although the specific legal regime already provides for this, the Ministry of Justice will further define the regulation of associations during the pandemic next week.
Friday, November 20, evening Than personal received a message from several delegates that Valdis Keris had recalled the Congress at the particular conference center on the grounds of a refusal from the tenants. The congress is still scheduled for December 1, and participants will be able to choose whether to participate in it remotely or in person. A secret ballot will not be possible, but in circumstances of force majeure, the law and the statutes of the trade union are to be preferred, Valdis Keris wrote on Friday.
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