Vuosaari Harbour in Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
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Trade Union JHL is strengthening its support for the Industrial Union’s collective bargaining efforts by launching a third handling blockade. The industrial action will begin on 10 February and continue until 14 February, unless negotiations reach an agreement before then.
Despite ongoing talks, the Industrial Union’s collective agreement negotiations have yet to yield an outcome that employees find acceptable.
In response, JHL is taking further action to push for a settlement that improves working conditions and wages for industrial employees.
Håkan Ekström, president of the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, stressed the importance of securing meaningful wage increases. He argued that pay rises are necessary to restore employees’ purchasing power, which has declined in recent years. He also pointed out that increased wages benefit the broader economy by boosting consumer spending.
A handling blockade is a legal form of industrial action. JHL’s blockade will target sectors where the Industrial Union has issued strike warnings, preventing the loading and unloading of goods in ports and rail transport. Employees in the transport sector may also refuse to handle products from affected companies.
This marks the third handling blockade organised by JHL in solidarity with industrial workers. The first took place from 27 January to 1 February, followed by a second blockade running from 3 February to 8 February.
In addition to JHL, other unions have also implemented support measures. The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT, the Finnish Seafarers’ Union, Service Union United PAM, the Finnish Construction Trade Union, and the Finnish Electrical Workers’ Union have all taken action to back the Industrial Union’s demands.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
