The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has taken a new approach in its ongoing standoff with the government by placing a personal ad in the Sunday edition of newspaper Turun Sanomat, among other papers, directly addressing Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP).
The ad is a plea from SAK’s Chair, Jarkko Eloranta for Orpo to reach out for negotiations. Eloranta’s public appeal is an attempt to find a middle ground in the ongoing conflict over proposed labour market reforms.
“Petteri, isn’t it time we agreed?” the ad states at the beginning.
After a last-ditch effort by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) to dissuade the unions from striking on Friday, the unions announced that their plans for two weeks of political strikes would move forward.
In the ad, Eloranta signalled a willingness to meet the government halfway, provided that Orpo is ready to compromise. He suggested that while SAK acknowledges the government’s concerns over Finland’s economic situation, it is crucial to also consider the unions’ worries about the adverse effects of these changes on workers’ rights and welfare.
The ad also hints that employer organisations have benefited from the government programme, noting that Jyri, Juho and Mikael do not want to agree to a deal — likely referring to Jyri Häkämies of the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) and Juho Romakkaniemi CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mikael Pentikäinen of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
Eloranta’s message to Orpo is clear, hoping that the PM will ignore the ‘bossiness’ of the employer organisations and come to the table with SAK and other employee organisations.
Despite the looming strike and SAK’s public overture for negotiation, there has been no sign of the government retracting its planned reforms. Orpo has emphasised the government’s resolve not to let external pressures influence its policies, a sentiment echoed by business groups who insist that the proposed changes should proceed regardless of union actions.
Eloranta’s message concluded with a direct appeal to Orpo
“P.S. Give me a ring, I promise to answer.”
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