No Deal With Striking Unions, Finland PM Says

Finland's prime minister has announced that he had failed to persuade trade unions to call off planned strike action triggered by the government's labor market reforms, extending an ongoing conflict, Essi Lehto reported for Reuters.

Companies such as refiner Neste, steel maker SSAB, and paper producer UPM-Kymmene have said they anticipate significant impacts on their businesses from the planned strike. I Photo: Nestle

The standoff began last year when the newly elected right-wing government announced plans to favor local work agreements over centralized bargains, limit political strikes, cut social welfare, and make it easier to terminate work contracts.

Industrial, logistics, and electrical workers will begin a two-week strike targeting exports, imports, and cargo transportation on Monday, the latest in a series of trade union actions protesting the government's plans.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated on Friday that he had urged union bosses to call off the strike due to its cost to companies.

"It will have a negative impact on the already struggling Finnish economy and employment," he said, adding that the strikes would not sway government opinion.

Companies such as refiner Neste, steel maker SSAB, and paper producer UPM-Kymmene have said they anticipate significant impacts on their businesses from the planned strike.

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