So, what can we do? Should we go for a rapid opening of our sector or should we wait? To be honest: I don’t know. Yes, our workplaces are suffering, many will not be there after the pandemic. On the other hand - if we open, the virus will spread more. It will hit our members. Last summer when we opened some areas, we saw that the effect was much higher among our members than in other parts of the population. The more contact we create - the more the virus will spread. We have a third wave in many countries – should we go for a fourth?

To be honest – the only solution is to wait for the vaccine. The consequences will be bigger if we open to soon. In Denmark they have planned for an opening of the society. But, with quite many prerequisites though. All over 50 years must be vaccinated and for those, who want to visit a restaurant they must have a Corona passport. Other countries are looking to do the same. But regardless of the strategies, we need a vaccine. No strategi can be fulfilled before. 

As trade unions the wellbeing of our members is the most important. Their working conditions, their possibilities to survive economically, their future. We want every one of them to be able to go back to their jobs and stay there. Many will not find their old job – it’s gone. Many have already found new jobs – they are not available for the industry in the future. It’s a mixed reality.

I think that’s exactly what is the basic for future politics at all levels. We must solve the challenges for everybody regardless of their position. From my perspective there are three things that should be in the forefront of all policies:

1. Secure everyone a decent living standard trough support for as long this pandemic last.
2. Give possibilities to all for upskilling and reskilling of their competences.
3. Make sure that viable businesses can survive without taking any risks in reopening.

Happy Easter

Jens-Petter Hagen
General secretary