with a decisive move, Finland’s air traffic is set to come to a near standstill after public and welfare sector union JHL, together with other unions, has declared a two-day strike. The strike, which begins February 1, will have a major impact on air travel across the United States.
This industrial action follows previous strikes, such as the strike on October 5, 2023, which caused significant disruption at Helsinki Airport.
The upcoming strike is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. and continue until Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. This includes JHL members employed by Finavia or Airpro.
The strike affects almost all major airports in Finland except Hari and Utti. However, it is stipulated that important work related to the protection of life, health, and property is excluded from the scope of strikes.
Interim President of JHL; Håkan Ekströmemphasized that the strike was a form of political industrial action and was not directed at the employer, but rather in response to government policies deemed detrimental to the rights of employees. While Ekström understood the inconvenience caused to passengers, he stressed the need for action given the government’s reluctance to negotiate on key labor issues.
The strike is part of the Serious Ground campaign, led by the central organization SAK, which opposes various government policies, including social security cuts and proposed legal reforms that could weaken employees’ rights. Ekström highlighted the union’s concerns about the government’s intention to reduce employee safety, reduce the effectiveness of collective agreements and limit the right to strike.
JHL has been actively involved in several political strikes since autumn 2023 and is prepared to escalate its actions if the government does not agree to negotiations. The union’s strong stance aims to protect fair employment conditions for its members.
Affected airports include Helsinki-Vantaa, Turku, Kittila, Ivalo, Kemi Tornio, Oulu, Kuusamo, Kayani, Vaasa, Kokkola Pietarsaari, Pori, Joensuu, Savonlinna and Marianhammina. In addition, restrictions have also been imposed on Rovaniemi, Pirkkala, Jyväskylä and Kuopio airports at the request of the Finnish Defense Forces.
HT