According to both the diocesan management and the trade unions, the conflict concerns difficulties in cooperation between, on the one hand, Bishop Eva Nordung Byström, who took office in 2014 and is also chairman of the diocesan board, and the other members of the diocesan board on the other.
At the beginning of September, the trade unions Akademikerförbundet SSR, Kyrkans akademikerförbund and Vision went to the diocesan board with a request for measures in accordance with the Work Environment Act.
The problems worsened
The union safety representatives write, among other things, that the accusation of shortcomings in the working environment within the diocese has been recurring.
"The working environment has not improved but has deteriorated in several parts and we believe that the opportunities to solve the situation have become more difficult," they write, among other things.
According to the unions' safety representatives, the entire diocesan management has had a difficult conflict for several years "where all management functions have been involved".
Trust consumed
During the weekend, the conflict escalated when the members of the diocesan board's working committee in a reply letter to the safety representatives in Härnösand diocese declared that all confidence in Bishop Eva Nordung Byström has now been consumed among the diocesan board's other members.
A lawyer has been called in by the diocesan board so that the bishop's employment can be terminated.
Turn to the Swedish Work Environment Authority
On Monday, the trade unions turned to the Swedish Work Environment Authority with a request for action because they have a "deep concern" for the work environment and the situation in general.
They write that the no-confidence motion against the bishop "seriously increased the risks of ill-health for employees".
Eva Nordung Byström is on sick leave and currently does not want to comment on the situation.