The unions called for the strike to protest government plans for labor law reform, which they argue will reduce the incomes of Finland’s poorest people.
On the third day of industrial action, striking workers in trams, trains, buses, ferries, ports, airports, and airline operations crippled the transport sector in Finland.
Ongoing strikes are also affecting cleaning companies, factories, mines, refineries, construction companies, and the postal service.
Unions initiated a wave of industrial action to oppose government proposals on labor law reforms, claiming that these changes would adversely impact low-wage earners and shift the balance of power towards employers in salary negotiations.
Thursday witnessed approximately 300,000 workers participating in the strikes, with 10,000 people attending a rally in the capital Helsinki to denounce the government’s actions, which unions assert mean lower wages and less favorable conditions for workers.
Social Democrat MP Pia Hiltunen expressed concerns, stating that the government’s measures “do not create stability and faith in people’s everyday life.” She worried about the weakening of working life driven by the government, particularly affecting young people.
Hiltunen, a member of parliament from the northern city of Oulu, highlighted the government’s impact on everyday life, such as the absence of pay for the first day of sick leave, the weakening of earnings-related unemployment insurance, and the termination of adult education support. People are rightfully worried about their livelihood and the functioning of everyday life, which is important to defend in this situation.
The government claims sweeping reforms are essential for Finnish economic competitiveness.
MP Atte Kaleva, of the ruling National Coalition Party, insisted on implementing reforms, citing Finland’s economic stagnation since 2008 compared to peer countries.
The National Coalition Party, in government from 2008-2015 and 2023 onwards, stressed the need to change the economy’s direction for sustained Nordic prosperity without debt, emphasizing universal employment.
