service union united (PAM) announced on Wednesday its decision to carry out a series of strikes in early February at hotels, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, cleaning companies and real estate companies.
The 24-hour strike targeting tens of thousands of employees will begin at midnight on February 1 and end at 11:59 p.m.
“PAM believes it has no choice but to demonstrate and carry out a political strike to implore the government to correct the negative changes it is trying to implement.” Anika Loni-SalinenChairman of PAM.
“Cutting unemployment benefits will not create more jobs, but it will further undermine the status and livelihoods of people already struggling with unemployment.”
PAM has also decided to participate in a demonstration scheduled for February 1st in Helsinki’s Kansa Ristri Square.
The demonstration is organized by the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Finnish Federation of Professionals (STTK). The two central organizations called on all citizens and non-governmental organizations concerned about the government’s policy direction to join the demonstration.
PAM said on Wednesday that the Finnish government had already cut unemployment benefits and housing benefits. It also plans to make it easier to fire staff, limit the right to strike and make the first day of sick leave unpaid.
“Furthermore, further cuts target unemployment benefits and will hit those employed in the service sector,” the report said.
PAM said the strike will affect all S Group stores and gas stations, all Kesko grocery stores, Lidl and Tocmanni stores. In the tourism and accommodation sector, all Scandic, S Group and Sokotel hotels and restaurants will be affected.
PAM assured that the strike would not jeopardize urgent jobs or jobs critical to the functioning of key social services. They also pledged to plan a strike to avoid disrupting the operation of early voting locations adjacent to commercial facilities.
The Finnish Hospitality Association (Mala) said on Wednesday that the strike was indicative of a wrong decision by PAM.
“Demand for the services of this industry has decreased significantly across Finland, except in northern Finland. Finland has seen a decline in tourism similar to other Nordic countries after the coronavirus pandemic due to the negative effects of the war started by Russia. “We have not achieved any growth in our business,” he said. Timo LappiManaging Director of Mara.
“The situation is particularly difficult in eastern Finland and Helsinki. Although the number of hotel rooms in the capital region is more than 4,000 more than in 2018, the number of foreign tourists is down by more than 20%. “By going on strike in a situation, you are not promoting the welfare of your own members,” he added.
Iruka OksaraThe director of labor market affairs at the Confederation of Finnish Industry (EK) told STT on Wednesday that the strike was ill-timed given the economic challenges facing Finland. He speculated that virtually all sectors are already struggling and the strike could be the final straw for some private companies.
Strikes threaten to strike in air travel and education
The Public and Welfare Sector Union (JHL) intends to organize a strike affecting air travel to show its disapproval of government measures affecting employees, the unemployed and other social security recipients. It revealed that.
The union is expected to provide further details about the timing and scope of the strike at a press conference on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Finnish Education Workers’ Union (OAJ) is scheduled to announce the conclusions of its recent extraordinary meeting next week. A study commissioned by the union recently found that more than 80% of its members are prepared to take part in a political strike if the government insists on pursuing policies that undermine the status of workers.
The OAJ specifically opposes proposals to prevent national arbitrators and arbitration boards from proposing wage increases above agreed wages in export industries.
Industrial and professional unions announced in December that work stoppages would begin on February 1 in two large industrial areas, Kokkola and Porvoo.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT