Title: Alcohol Zone Creates Unsustainable Work Environment for Municipality Employees in Sundsvall
Introduction:
In a controversial move, the municipality of Sundsvall implemented an alcohol zone in Norrmalmsparken, allowing the consumption of alcohol above 3.5 percent. While intended to address security concerns and reduce the perceived insecurity among citizens, the decision has come at a cost for employees at the municipality’s social services office. The Association of Academics has reported an unsustainable work environment caused by various incidents and violations, leading to a debate among politicians.
Workplace Safety Concerns:
According to the Association of Academics, the introduction of the alcohol zone has had detrimental effects on employees. Incidents such as people pulling ropes on window panes, drug injections, fights, and burglaries have been reported. The majority of the employees affected are women, prompting concerns about their safety and resulting in some modifying their routes to and from work.
Violation of Co-Determination Law:
Peter Gustavsson, chairman of the Association of Academics in Västernorrland, highlights that the municipality failed to consult with the union or employees before implementing the alcohol zone. This violation of the law on co-determination has further fueled the controversy surrounding the decision.
Police’s Intentions and Evaluation:
Initially proposed by the police as a measure to address security concerns, the alcohol zone was welcomed by the municipality. Henrik Blusi, Acting Municipal Police in Sundsvall, emphasizes that while the zone may not necessarily solve the issue of public drinking, it does help alleviate the perceived insecurity among citizens.
Decrease in Drunkenness, Increase in Security:
Henrik Blusi also cites a decrease in the number of people taken into custody for drunkenness in central Sundsvall as evidence that the alcohol zone is working as intended. Additionally, the municipality’s evaluation indicated an increase in the number of people using public spaces like the riverbank and bus square.
Debate and Possible Reversal:
The debate surrounding the alcohol zone is set to take place during the municipal council meeting in November. While the Moderates initially supported the zone, opposition councilor Alicja Kapica now expresses hesitance based on the recent revelations. The Social Democrats await the debate before deciding their stance, highlighting the need to address the work environment issues and explore alternative safety measures if the trial continues.
Societal Considerations:
Henrik Blusi urges society to have a broader discussion about the alcohol zone and the group of individuals it affects. He emphasizes that the proposed zone provides a designated place for those struggling with alcoholism and questions society’s reluctance to give them a meaningful place to be.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the alcohol zone in Sundsvall’s Norrmalmsparken has sparked controversy and resulted in an unsustainable work environment for employees at the municipality’s social services office. While the zone aims to address security concerns, it has led to various incidents and raised questions about violation of co-determination laws. The upcoming debate among politicians will determine the future of the alcohol zone and potentially lead to the implementation of alternative safety measures.