Finnish workers go on strike to protect their rights | News

A massive strike by employee unions against the Finnish government’s plans to reform labor laws and cut social security brought Finland to a near standstill on Thursday.

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Almost all flights on national airline Finnair were canceled until Saturday morning, and national railways and most bus services remained closed on Friday.

Meanwhile, postal workers went on strike on both days, and unions shut down major forestry plants. However, shops and restaurants remained partially open.

A large demonstration took place at Senate Square, opposite Helsinki’s government buildings. According to police estimates, about 13,000 demonstrators took part. Earlier, strikes began affecting kindergartens on Wednesday.

The reforms that sparked the protests were announced in June 2023 as part of Prime Minister Petteri Orupo’s four-party coalition plan, and parts of them are currently being debated in parliament.

The proposed reforms would limit pay increases to export industry levels, strengthen unemployment benefits and reduce unions’ rights to organize sympathy strikes.

The Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) announced that around 300,000 workers are currently on strike. Chairman Jarkko Eloranta said the government is making itself a labor market counterpart in pursuit of the long-standing goals of Finnish employers.

Labor Minister Arto Satonen said the cabinet had no intention of withdrawing its intention. The government also claims that the reform plan secures a parliamentary majority that reflects the results of the May 2023 elections.

Despite this, trade unions have responded that voters were unaware of the labor reforms because they were not announced during the election period and only surfaced during cabinet planning consultations. The labor movement will continue next week, with a strike planned by hospital staff and doctors.