Finnish trade unions announced a mass two-day strike

 In Finland, there will be massive two-day strikes in the industrial areas of Kilpilahti and Kokkola, including at the plants of the Neste refinery, reports Helsingin Sanomat (HS). About 7,000 people work in these zones.

The strikes will take place on February 1 and 2, 2024, the reason was dissatisfaction with the government reforms, the Industrial Union specified. The workers oppose restrictions on political strikes and want to build a dialogue with the authorities that will help to find a compromise.

As part of the strikes, they will stop working at the Neste plants in Porvoo and Naantali, at the chemical plants in Uusimaa and Ostrobothnia. A total of 16 companies operate in the Kokkola area at 21 production facilities, including the second largest zinc plant in Europe. Strikes will also have an indirect impact on companies using the raw materials of stopped plants, Iltalehti notes.

HS stressed that the workers were on strike all autumn, and in mid-December they suspended public transport in Helsinki.

Economy Minister Wille Ridman accused the trade unions of "selitish pursuit" for power and complete indifference to competitiveness, economic growth and the interests of the country. Large-scale strikes lead to significant costs for companies and create a bad image for Finland as an investment country, said Employment Minister Arto Satonen.