Weghmann, Vera, Stroleny, Alexandra ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8787-850X, Bacchieri Indiani, Julia, Adam, Al-Hassan, Gray, Conor and Hall, David (2026) Industrial action in the Health and Care sector: a global comparative analysis. Project Report. University of Greenwich, Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU), London.

PDF (PEFGA Report) 54532 STROLENY_Industrial_Action_In_The_Health_And_Care_Sector_(PSI REPORT)_2026 - Published Version Download (386kB)

Abstract

Health and care workers across the world are increasingly resorting to industrial action in response to chronic understaffing, declining real wages, unsafe working conditions, and the ongoing commercialisation of healthcare. Understanding the drivers, strategies, and outcomes of these disputes is essential not only for trade unions but also for policymakers and public authorities seeking to stabilise the workforce and protect the quality of care. This report provides a global analysis of industrial action in the health and care sector, drawing on international datasets (including ILOSTAT, Eurofound, and OECD), desk-based research, and interviews with trade union representatives. To complement this global overview, the report is accompanied by geographically diverse case studies (presented as separate briefing papers) which examine specific disputes in depth and highlight transferable lessons. Together, the analysis aims to support PSI affiliates, unions, and policymakers in understanding the causes of industrial action, strengthening collective bargaining, informing policy responses, and ensuring safe, publicly accountable health and care systems.

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	industrial action, Health and Care workforce, collective bargaining
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (PEGFA) Journal of Economic Literature Classification > Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (PEGFA) Greenwich Business School > Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (PEGFA) > Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) Journal of Economic Literature Classification > Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (PEGFA) > Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy Greenwich Business School > School of Management and Marketing
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 15:10
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54532

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