Massive supermarket strike to hit Finland in February

By admin On Jan 31, 2025

PAM issues a strike warning for the retail sector due to failed negotiations with the Finnish Commerce Federation. The strike would affect over 70,000 retail workers and is set to begin on 17 and 19 February. LEHTIKUVA

Finland is bracing for a large-scale retail strike that could see thousands of supermarkets and logistics centres shut down in February. The Service Union United (PAM) has issued a strike warning after negotiations with the Finnish Commerce Federation collapsed, affecting over 70,000 workers across the country.

The strike will begin in two phases. Logistics workers will walk out on 17 February, followed by supermarket employees on 19 February.

The action will impact all major grocery chains, including K-Market, K-Supermarket, K-Citymarket, Alepa, Sale, S-Market, Prisma, Sokos, Lidl, Halpa-Halli, and Tokmanni. Some ABC convenience stores will also be affected.

PAM chair Annika Rönni-Sällinen said the union was left with no choice after talks stalled.

“We must use other means to move forward and secure decent pay rises for low-income workers,” she told Yle. “We hope people understand that our members need these wage increases.”

In total, more than 3,000 stores, offices, and logistics hubs will be impacted. During the strike, no work covered by the retail sector’s collective agreement will be carried out at these locations.

The dispute centres on wage increases, with PAM and other trade unions under the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) demanding a 10% pay rise over two years.

The Industrial Union has announced its support for the retail strike with sympathy action starting on 17 February. At the same time, industrial workers in the technology sector are preparing for further walkouts, adding pressure on employers.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi