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12.02.2025 15:43

PAM takes possible countermeasures by employers towards striking workers seriously: “If necessary, we take cases to court”

PAM’s Legal Affairs Manager Arja Pohjola says it’s clear, that striking workers must not be discriminated and participating in a legal strike must not result in any consequences.

PAMin lakiasiainpäällikkö Arja Pohjola

Extensive strikes of 70 000 workers have been declared in the commerce sector next week. PAM has previous experience of questionable countermeasures by employers, by which employers have tried to break strikes.

Pohjola says individual workers have nothing to fear from joining the strikes.

—The trade union has given notice of a lawful strike in accordance with legal requirements. That means workers don’t need to tell the employer about going on strike.

Even if a worker has previously informed the employer that they would work, they still have every right to join the strike.

—There must not be any penalties for the worker for striking, no matter what the employer says. Participating in a strike must not negatively affect an employee’s job or career at the workplace, Pohjola notes.

The right to strike is protected by law

The right to strike and to organise in a union is strongly protected by law in Finland. It is prohibited to treat workers differently based on union membership or striking. If an employer were to do so, they would likely be in violation of the Non-Discrimination Act.

—There have been instances of paying higher wages to those who work during a strike. We consider that discriminatory and illegal.

Offering exceptional benefits to entice employees to work during a strike is not permissible.

—If necessary, PAM will pursue cases against employers. In practice, that means that the union ultimately takes them to court.

If pressure or discriminatory practices occur in the workplace, it is important to report them to PAM. PAM will review all reports and will take appropriate action when necessary.

Text: Pauli Unkuri

Keywords:

industrial action

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