Finnair’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Monday, 5 May 2025. Photo: Markku Ulander / Lehtikuva
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Finnair pilots have suspended all industrial action, clearing the way for the airline to resume normal operations.
The Finnish Airline Pilots’ Association (SLL) announced late Tuesday evening that pilots employed by Finnair will now carry out all duties as scheduled, including overtime and standby shifts previously subject to a work ban.
“This is excellent news,” said Päivyt Tallqvist, Finnair’s Senior Vice President of Communications, in a statement to Kauppalehti. “We hope a final agreement will follow soon.”
SLL confirmed the decision came after employer representatives agreed to proceed collaboratively toward a negotiated solution. Talks over a new collective agreement for Finnair pilots have been ongoing since August.
“Until now, pilots only performed duties listed on their roster. They did not accept additional shifts, overtime, or standby duties. As of this announcement, all such measures have been suspended,” said Vesa Uuspelto, chair of SLL.
Finnair expects a swift return to normal schedules, although some residual delays may still affect operations.
The decision marks a turning point in a dispute that has seen rapid developments. On Monday, employer organisation Palta submitted a new comprehensive proposal. SLL noted that the offer included concessions it viewed positively, despite remaining shortcomings.
“The proposal contained elements that reflect movement on their side. We believe it offers a basis for reaching a joint settlement,” said Uuspelto.
Although SLL stated it could not accept the latest proposal outright due to time constraints and unresolved issues, it described the shift in negotiations as favourable.
Finnair’s pilots had refrained from accepting any extra duties since the industrial action began, contributing to widespread flight disruptions. The suspension of these measures now allows the airline to resume full operations.
The agreement still requires formal ratification through continued negotiations.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
