Sert said, “The staff shortage is extreme. Most of the social workers are struggling with physical and mental illnesses.”
Öz Sağlık-İş Union Chairman Devlet Sert noted that workers working in institutions and organizations affiliated to the Ministry of Family and Social Services are physically and mentally worn out during and after the pandemic. “Staff shortage is severe. Many social workers struggle with physical and mental illnesses. If the process cannot be brought under control in terms of employment, care services for the elderly, children and disabled will begin to be disrupted,” Sert added. Making a statement on the subject, Devlet Sert said: “Our members working in the Ministry of Family and Social Services, which we are organized and affiliated workplaces, and all other social service workers, just like health workers, are working in an extremely self-sacrificing manner, being more intense during the pandemic process. Our social workers are under a greater burden of conscience and responsibility as a requirement of their duties. All of the services for our elderly, orphaned children, disabled people and women in need are provided by these friends. There are many problems that social workers face because of the current personnel policy followed. After the transition to the staff, many personnel left the job due to the weight of the current working conditions.”
“NEW WORKERS ARE NOT RECRUITED, 1 WORKER DOES THE WORKS OF 5 WORKERS”
Sert said, “The wildcard personnel application, which was applied before, instead of reported or unpaid leave personnel, has been removed. No new workers are recruited. The workload of 5 people is given to the back of 1 person. Leaves are not used properly.” Adding that in such an environment, neither work efficiency, work peace nor regular working conditions can be talked about. “The Ministry of Family and Social Services needs to make an urgent change in the employment policy of affiliated institutions and organizations. The staff was very worn out physically and mentally, due to the lack of staff. They don't have the chance to rest healthily and to take leave. They are already under a very heavy workload at work. Appropriate personnel policies should be determined as soon as possible, and working conditions should be rearranged,” Sert added.
“THE NUMBER OF GROUPS THAT THE GOVERNMENT LOOKS FOR, IS RISING EVERY DAY”
Sert shared another important information in his statement. Sert said, “Another aspect of the matter is that the number of people under protection and care that the state is responsible for is increasing day by day. These include the elderly, the disabled and orphaned children. The number is increasing day by day, but the number of personnel remains the same. In fact, the number of personnel has already fallen into a minus because there is no replacement when a person who retired and quits his job. This situation has increased the staffing needs to the highest level.”