Finnish ports start two-week strike, anticipate delays and disruptions

The Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) last week instructed its member unions to engage in industrial action following unsuccessful negotiations with the government regarding employee rights and social security.

Among the participating member unions is the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), which predominantly represents workers in the stevedoring industry and has announced a port strike.

The strike is scheduled to start on Monday, March 11th at 6 am and will continue until Monday, March 25th at 6 am.

Consequently, disruptions in operations are anticipated across all container ports, resulting in vessel loading and unloading delays.

These actions will impact export and import operations at ports and the railway system, affecting major industrial facilities and distribution terminals. Approximately 7,000 employees across key industries will participate in the strike.

The unions are prepared to halt their preparations and suspend strike actions if the government is willing to alleviate and balance its proposed cuts.

“We have been willing to negotiate on major issues of principle that are important to us, in line with the Government’s objectives. Even such significant compromises have not evoked a response from them,” explains SAK President Jarkko Eloranta. “We are keen to ensure that these measures pose no danger to public health or safety. I have been in touch with the National Emergency Supply Agency proposing a low threshold for contact in the event of any problems. This also applies to other public authorities.”

“We are doing this to defend the rights and interests of all employees, and we are also seeking to ensure fair and equitable treatment for future generations of employees in Finland. This treatment should enable employees to influence their own terms and conditions of employment through collective bargaining and agreement,” SAK President Jarkko Eloranta insists.