Retail strike in Finland threatens store closures and shortages

By admin On Feb 13, 2025

PAM issued a strike warning for the retail sector. LEHTIKUVA

A major strike in Finland’s retail sector is set to begin next week if mediation efforts fail. The strike, organised by the Service Union United (PAM), could affect store operations, logistics, and product availability, coinciding with the winter holiday period in southern Finland.

The industrial action is divided into two phases. The first wave, targeting logistics, is scheduled to start on Monday, 17 February, at 5 a.m. and last until Thursday morning.

The second phase, affecting retail stores, would begin on Wednesday, 19 February, and continue until Saturday morning.

PAM has stated that approximately 70,000 workers across 3,000 retail locations, including major chains such as S-Group, K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket, K-Market, Lidl, Halpa-Halli, and Tokmanni, will be involved if the strike goes ahead.

While large supermarket chains have assured that food supplies will not run out, temporary shortages of certain products are expected. Logistics disruptions could lead to gaps in fresh produce, with specific items such as certain types of tomatoes potentially becoming unavailable.

Lidl has stated that it is working to minimise disruptions by increasing deliveries to stores ahead of the strike. However, some locations may need to shorten their opening hours.

K-Citymarket chain director Ari Sääksmäki emphasised that while minor shortages may occur, basic food items will be available.

“There are plenty of alternative products in stores,” Sääksmäki said.

PAM’s organisational director Risto Kalliorinne advised customers not to delay their grocery shopping until the last minute, as store closures or reduced hours could occur.

In addition to the retail strike, PAM has been engaged in a separate labour dispute in the ski resort sector. Since 3 February, the union has imposed an overtime and shift change ban for ski resort workers. No full-scale strike has been announced, and ski resorts are expected to operate as usual during the holiday period.

PAM has also taken a firm stance on potential employer countermeasures against striking workers. The union’s legal affairs manager Arja Pohjola stated that participation in a lawful strike must not result in any penalties for employees.

“There must be no discrimination against workers who join the strike,” Pohjola said. “If necessary, we will take cases to court.”

The labour dispute stems from failed wage negotiations between PAM and the Finnish Commerce Federation. The union argues that wage increases are necessary to keep up with rising living costs, while employers have cited economic pressures as a reason for their stance.

If no agreement is reached this week, the strike will proceed as planned.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi