Last-ditch efforts to avert a strike across Finland’s pulp and paper sector have succeeded, with employees organization Toimihenkilöunioni TU and the Finnish Forest Industries Federation reaching to a 21-month labour agreement.
The two sides have agreed on a pay increase of 5.3 per cent over the life of the agreement. They will also begin a multi-year programme to develop pay patterns for salaried workers. Other improvements made include a six-day paid paternity leave, added compensation for safety representatives and establishment of a working hour bank.
The employers gave up their concessionary proposals on travel time, shift allowance cuts and their demand to exclusively decide on working hours.
The settlement averts a strike planned by 1,000 senior employees at 10 Stora Enso operations across Finland. Further rolling strikes were scheduled to occur at other major Finnish pulp and paper producers. Some 6,500 salaried, technical, and professional workers are covered by the new agreement.
