Strike guards at Prisma in Kauppakeskus Kaari, Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
- Previous Article Finnish schools take different approaches to Ramadan fasting
- Next Article Suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker leaves Finnish waters
The Service Union United (PAM) has announced a new strike across Finland’s retail sector, targeting 41 companies and affecting around 20,000 workers. The two-day strike is set to begin on 20 March at 5:00 am and end on 21 March at 11:59 pm.
The strike will impact major retailers, including Ikea, Gigantti, Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, Clas Ohlson, and Musti ja Mirri. It will cover all operations, including stores, logistics, and offices.
PAM halted negotiations with the Finnish Commerce Federation last week, citing a lack of progress on key demands, particularly job security protections. The union is pushing for stronger safeguards against dismissals, arguing that upcoming legislative changes will weaken employee rights.
The Finnish government is moving to amend labour laws, making it easier for employers to terminate workers by reducing the legal requirement to a general “justifiable reason.” Currently, employers must demonstrate a “justifiable and weighty reason” to dismiss an employee.
PAM conducted a snap survey among its members, with 85% of retail sector respondents saying that maintaining job security in collective agreements was “extremely important.”
Negotiations remain stalled, but Finland’s National Conciliator has met with both sides and is set to continue talks. If no agreement is reached, the strike will proceed as planned.
HT
- Previous Article Finnish schools take different approaches to Ramadan fasting
- Next Article Suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker leaves Finnish waters
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
