Editorial|Editorial
The effects of the Ukrainian war on the Finnish economy are unpredictable. That is why compromises should now be found when negotiating the terms of contracts at the labor market tables.
Forestry company The collective bargaining between UPM and Paperiliitto has been stalled for more than two months. Employees are on strike because there are big questions of principle on the table. UPM requires that the terms and conditions of employment be agreed separately for each business area. Employees would have liked to negotiate a company-wide collective agreement as in other large forest companies.
UPM’s demand was impossible for the employee side for a long time, but after negotiations with the national mediator in mid-February, the Paper Association was ready to change its position. Now the shoe is squeezing that UPM would like to increase working hours without compensation. The Paper Association has announced that the strike may continue until April.
The consequences of the long strike are beginning to show. There is a shortage of newsprint in Finland, and the war in Ukraine is exacerbating this. Russian paper was quickly boycotted, and there is no information on a replacement paper. On the other hand, a shortage of paper rains at UPM’s checkout as it raises the price of paper.
At the same time At that time, contract negotiations in the municipal sector have been suspended and all major organizations have announced future strikes. Municipal employers suspended negotiations because trade unions demanded higher wage increases than in other sectors. In the care sector, for example, the stresses of the Korona period and the growing shortage of nurses have given impetus to the demands.
The strikes are hitting the poor ground right now. The war in Ukraine may still be in its infancy, and its effects on the economy have only been first glimpsed. Finland’s economic growth may come to a halt, which means tighter times for public finances as well.
The coronavirus crisis has shifted to a new crisis that is at least as unpredictable. Those negotiating collective agreements must also take into account exceptional circumstances, be able to agree and seek compromises.
The editorials are HS’s statements on a topical issue. The writings are prepared by HS’s editorial staff and reflect the magazine principle.
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