Around 2,90,000 workers in Finland went on strike for two days to oppose the government’s plans for changes in labour laws and cuts to social welfare. The strikes are affecting air travel and oil production, as well as many businesses and schools. The strikes involve 13 per cent of Finland’s workforce, including airlines and refineries. Therefore, many flights were cancelled and fuel production has also fallen considerably.
The government wants to make it harder for workers to strike and is planning cuts, while labour unions have been against these changes. They believe the government’s plan will make it easier for companies to end contracts and reduce support for people who are unemployed.
The unions are willing to indulge in a long fight and are ready to call for more strikes if the government doesn’t change its plans. Meanwhile, the government argues that Finland needs to improve the volume of work that gets done and reduce its financial deficit.
Thousands of workers gathered in Helsinki to protest, expressing concerns about how the changes will affect vulnerable workers. Some workers feel that if the changes happen, it could be difficult for them to take a day off even when they are sick.
The government, however, maintains that these changes are necessary to make Finland’s economy stronger, and make it capable of competing with countries such as Sweden.
