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Transport union boss holds onto his job

The combative president of the Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), Timo Räty, will be allowed to remain in his post pending a police investigation into alleged harassment and inappropriate conduct.

Timo Räty
Timo Räty Image: YLE

After an all-day meeting on Tuesday, the union's General Council voted to keep Räty in his job. According to information obtained by YLE, 26 members voted in favour of keeping him on while 13 voted against and one cast a blank ballot.

Räty's opponents wanted to vote on a temporary suspension, but his backers insisted on an up-or-down vote on firing him. Räty has led the union since 2001, earning a reputation as a tough negotiator who readily resorts to strikes.

Last year, the union's communications director, Hilkka Ahde, filed a complaint about Räty with occupational safety authorities.

Police say they have also questioned another person whom Räty is suspected of harassing. The preliminary investigation is expected to wrap up in March.