The Finnish Paperworkers Union and representatives from the Finnish Forest Industries Federation met with the National Conciliator for an initial one hour discussion at Vanhanen's seaside home in Helsinki earlier today (27 June).

Vanhanen (pictured), who initially said he would not intervene, is said to be angered by the shutdowns and lockouts that have cost the country more than 998m (1.5bn) in lost earnings.

The National Conciliator has suggested setting up a conciliation board, which can be done quickly by the Ministry of Labour.

Both sides are coming under increasing pressure to find a resolution to the dispute over new working agreements, which is now into its seventh week.

The Finnish food and drinks industry federation has said there is a shortage of domestic packaging materials, with many small- to medium-sized businesses in the sector facing hardship.

Corrugated board, used in many packaging items is understood to be in particularly short supply.

Finnish Transport and Logistics (SKAL), the association that represents the haulage companies, has also called for a quick end to the conflict.

SKAL said transport companies may look to be compensated for their losses, with transport fees likely to be upped in the autumn.
According to SKAL, the haulage industry is losing around 6.6m per week due to the lockout.

Story by Andy Scott