Finnish unions continue protest

Trade unions in SAK, Finland’s largest union confederation, are continuing their political strikes against the government’s plan to weaken unions.

These involve reductions in the right to strike, a worsening of bargaining conditions and cuts in sick pay, and are set to come into effect on 1 July.

Jarkko Eloranta, SAK’s president said the unions had tried to negotiate with the government but had no response. As a result, it held two weeks of strike action last month starting on 11 March.

“We want to ensure that Finnish working life is fair and equitable for future generations,” Eloranta said.