19 September 2015
Members of the Akava trade union federation demonstrating in the rain in Helskinki. Photo courtesy Akava/Markku Ojala
Finland’s national trade unions SAK, STTK and Akava held a mass demonstration on 18 September at Helsinki Railway Station, combined with widespread strikes. The action was the first stage in a fight to defeat laws planned by the country’s new right-wing coalition government to unilaterally cut pay and benefits negotiated through collective bargaining. Its proposed legislation violates basic trade union rights and methods of organisation, say the unions.
On 9 September, after unions refused to agree to the proposals, the government announced a series of measures to be legislated and imposed as collective agreements begin to expire next year. The changes include substantial reductions in compensation for overtime, weekend and night work, sick pay, the elimination of two paid national holidays and a significant reduction in annual leave.
Unions estimate that the impact would be a 4 to 6 per cent reduction in pay, with the impact falling hardest on part-time and women workers.