Dispute over labour policy

Government and trade unions clash over plans to make dismissals in small companies easier

The Finish government under Prime Minister Juha Sipilä is planning a labour law reform that would make it easier for small businesses to dismiss employees. The government argues that the new rules would help employment as it would reduce the risk for employers when hiring new employees. Large corporations will not be affected by the planned changes. Trade Unions fear a separation of the labour force into two classes and vehemently appose the plans.
Prime Minster Sipilä had sought a vote of confidence in parliament which the government won with 101 to 73 vote, however the country seems divided on the matter. While JHL, the 200 thousand member strong Trade Union for public and welfare sector workers, called a 2 day strike starting Monday, October 22.

Government wins vote of confidence

The leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party, Antti Rinne, called on the government to return to the approach to sit down with unions and employers to come to a solution before sending a bill to parliament. Prime Minister Sipilä however stated that negotiations had not lead to an agreement suggesting that the government would move ahead as such.
Commentators see the current dispute as another symptom of a broader shift in Finish politics towards more division along ideological positions.

Public and welfare sector workers go on strike

(Foto source)