News from Finland… The ball is in the government's court

SAK: Political strikes to end – for now

The labour movement has been ratcheting up political strikes since September in an effort to pressure the right-wing government – with little apparent effect so far.

https://yle.fi/a/74-20082087 

Labour federation leader Jarkko Eloranta spoke to journalists in Helsinki on Thursday. Image: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva

YLE NEWS 13:19

The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) said on Thursday that it will not extend the current wave of political strikes beyond Sunday, when they are scheduled to end.

President Jarkko Eloranta said that the labour movement has long sought negotiations with the government, and is still waiting for the cabinet to open a direct dialogue over its controversial reforms. The government has said that it would not do so as long the strikes continued.

"The ball is in the government's court," he said. "The SAK is ready to negotiate immediately."

The political strikes by some 7,000 port and industrial workers are in their fourth week. They have brought most of Finland’s exports and imports to a halt and led to the shutdown of several factories.

The SAK's 18 member unions represent some 800,000 mostly blue-collar workers. It has been gradually ratcheting up the political strikes since September in an effort to pressure the right-wing government led by PM Petteri Orpo (NCP) over its plans to curtail labour rights and social security.

However, the government has shown no signs of backtracking on these legislative reforms despite polls indicating that they are generally unpopular – or of willingness to directly engage in talks with the labour unions over the dispute.

Employment Minister Arto Satonen (NCP) responded on social media after the SAK press conference.

"As has been stated before, when the strikes are not on, it will be possible to discuss details that are important to stakeholders and seek a solution," he wrote.

The SAK board will discuss possible future strike action at its next meeting on 18 April.

Members of the Trade Union Pro, which represents banking and clerical workers and is part of the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK), have also taken part in the strikes.