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Mediation Efforts in Harbour Labour Dispute

National Conciliator Esa Lonka held talks on Friday to resolve a dispute which threatens to lead to a stoppage in Finnish harbours on later this month. The talks took place against the background of a one-day protest stike by stevedores in the port of Hamina.

Talvinen Vuosaaren satama
Vuosaaren satama Image: YLE

The local strike is one more in a series of similar actions at different Finnish seaports. According to the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), the aim of the stoppages is to spur the nationwide talks.

A labour contract in the transport sector expired on Sunday.

On Monday, AKT issued an official strike warning of a nationwide strike on February 19 if no settlement is reached before that. Following Friday's talks, Union Chairperson, Timo Räty said no progress had been made. A further session will be held next Wednesday.

Transport Workers Threaten Strike Action

The Finnish Transport Workers' Union has also issued a strike warning concerning over 10,000 drivers. It says they will stage strike action later this month if no progress is made in pay talks. The union says employers broke off negotiations aimed at a new deal on Thursday.

Possible strike action would affect truck drivers, bus drivers and several other sectors. Talks on a new agreement on pay and conditions have continued since October.

Sources: YLE