Finland is on alert In response to widespread strikes organized by the Public and Welfare Sector Union (JHL) that have caused significant disruption to rail transport, regional transport and the energy sector. These strikes, scheduled for early February, represent a growing trend of industrial action in the country.
On Friday, February 2, 2024, a JHL strike will suspend almost all rail services in Finland for a day, except for night trains in northern Finland.
The strike targets the shift from 12:01 a.m. on February 2nd to 11:59 p.m.
The impact of the strike is felt strongly in the Helsinki metropolitan area, where subway and tram services are suspended. Additionally, tram traffic in Tampere will be suspended during the strike period, and bus traffic in Helsinki and Turku will be affected due to the involvement of the bus companies “Helsingin Busirikenne Oy” and “Turun Kaupunkirikenne”.
In the energy sector, large-scale strikes are being planned involving numerous companies responsible for building and maintaining the electricity grid. The strike is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 and run until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 2.
The sector for railway experts, “Kakkon Satamat JHL ry”, will carry out a one-day political protest action on February 1st in parts of the railway yards and ports of Hamina and Kotka, and will ensure that all The railway yard function will be effectively stopped. Members of this division will also participate in his JHL strike on February 2nd as a VR group.
This series of strikes is part of central organization SAK’s “Serious Reasons” campaign against what it considers to be unfair government policies. JHL has been organizing a political strike since fall 2023, which has gradually escalated. Unions are prepared for further escalation if the government does not engage in negotiations over labor market reforms.
JHL Interim President Håkan Ekström He emphasized the importance of the strike, saying: “The reforms promoted by the government only benefit employers. This reflects the government’s plans and reflects the electoral goals of the EK and other employers’ organizations. “The government’s approach of dictating rather than negotiating has led to these widespread strikes.” strike. ”
The strike in the transportation sector will affect multiple companies, including various divisions of VR Group. In the energy sector, companies such as Suomen energiaurakointi SEU Oy, Lahti Energia Sähköverkko Oy and Tampereen Energia Oy will be affected.
Life-saving missions will be exempted from industrial action, ensuring the continuity of essential services.
These strikes represent an important juncture in Finnish labor relations, with significant implications for the public services, transport and energy sectors.
HT