Trade unions across the world expressed concern over the labour market reforms and cuts in working condition undertaken by the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) led four-party alliance government.
Pekka Ristelä, Head of International Affairs of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), said that trade unions are particularly appalled at the precipitous nature of reforms planned by the government, said the SAK in a press release on Tuesday.
SAK has received several dozen expressions of support from trade unions and labour organisations, and from union federations in various sectors around the world.
Support has come not only from European countries, but also from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
These letters of solidarity are a traditional way of showing international cooperative support in conflict.
Ristelä explained that while this support is no surprise under the current serious circumstances, the sheer number of messages and the diversity of their senders has exceeded normal expectations.
Contact has mainly come in the form of letters, but many leaders of trade unions and international labour federations have also taken to the X messaging service in order to express a public stand on the violation of employee rights.
“The fiercest criticism is reserved for the way in which the government is implementing reforms without genuinely negotiating with the trade union movement. This contrasts starkly with the established reputation of Finland,” Ristelä added.
Criticism has been heard from many trade unions that operate under difficult conditions for employees in their own countries. These include letters of support and protest from the PIPSEA public sector union in the Philippines and the Malawian union that represents food industry workers.
The Seafarers’ Union of Turkey (TDS) even addressed its letter to Finland’s Ambassador in that country.
“The precipitous nature of the reforms is shocking. Many trade union activists feel that if something like this can happen in Finland, then the achievements of organised labour may be threatened everywhere,” Ristelä said.
The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and its affiliated unions on April 4 decided to suspend their strikes.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
Trade unions around the world are rightfully outraged by the government’s labor market reforms. It is essential for workers’ rights to be respected and for fair negotiations to take place. The lack of consultation with trade unions only highlights the unjust nature of these reforms.
Trade unions around the world are absolutely appalled by the labor market reforms proposed by the government. It’s concerning to see such drastic changes being pushed through without proper negotiation with the trade unions. The solidarity shown by unions globally highlights the severity of the situation and the need for international cooperation in standing up for employee rights.
Why are the labor market reforms being implemented without proper negotiation with trade unions? Isn’t dialogue crucial for fair and balanced decisions?
Trade unions around the globe are rightfully speaking out against the government’s labor market reforms. It is concerning to see such drastic changes being implemented without proper consultation with the trade union movement. The international support pouring in from different continents highlights the severity of the situation. The government must prioritize genuine negotiations with unions to ensure the protection of employee rights.
Do the trade unions have any plans for organized protests or strikes to oppose these labor market reforms?
How will the government respond to the widespread international criticism from trade unions regarding the labour market reforms?
How will these labor market reforms impact the overall economy in the long run?
Trade unions worldwide are absolutely right to condemn the government’s labor market reforms. It’s crucial to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair negotiation processes are in place. Solidarity from organizations around the world shows the significance of this issue on a global scale.