The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) started the strike – which impacted all Finnish ports and terminals – on 15 February. All vessel operations in Finnish ports, gate moves, and handling of containers within terminals were suspended.
BPIF Labels had warned of the potential industry impact of the strike, which it said “had caused delays and disruptions to the supply chain which could impact on materials within the printing industry”.
AKT chairperson Ismo Kokko had also indicated that the circa-45,000 member union was prepared for a long fight over the terms and conditions of employment, however the situation was thankfully resolved yesterday evening (1 March).
A statement on AKT’s website said the union and port operators have now reached an agreement on the stevedoring industry’s collective agreement.
The result of the negotiations between AKT and the port operators, which was discussed both in the AKT port division and in the AKT board, was accepted unanimously. The union said it had rejected two previous compromise offers in February.
The length of the collective agreement is 25 months, ending on 28 February 2025.
AKT stated: “The wage-increasing effect for the contract period is a total of 6.3%. In addition, [on 10 March] a delay compensation of €1,100 [£975] is paid [to each worker].
“For part-time employees, the installment is paid in proportion to the working time. In addition, it was agreed on the local agreement on the 10-hour working time format and the working group on overcrowding on night ships.”
Kokko commented: “At AKT, we are satisfied with both the signed collective agreement and the end of the labour dispute. The round has been difficult because the negotiations have included an exceptionally large number of external factors.
“From the beginning, we have negotiated our own starting points, taking into account the interests of our own members. That’s what was done now as well.”
The resulting agreement ends all industrial action immediately and stevedores will return to work as soon as possible – starting their normal work shift no later than Saturday (4 March).
A series of other transport strikes are ongoing in Finland, including a bus drivers’ strike that started yesterday.
