Bus companies managed to run some departures on strikebound lines; dispute continues

Matter taken to Labour Court by employers' side

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The first day of the bus drivers' strike in the Greater Helsinki Metropolitan Area paralysed most lines run by bus companies Concordia Bus Finland, Connex Espoo, and Connex Vantaa. On Tuesday only around 130 buses were on the road, instead of the customary 500 vehicles operated by these companies and serving the capital area commuters.
      Another hundred or so Connex and Concordia buses are expected to carry the capital area residents on Wednesday as well, particularly on routes where there is no alternative public transportation available.
     
No negotiations were held on Tuesday, as according to Hannu Parvela, managing director of the Road Transport Employers' Union (ALT), the strike is illegal.
      The employers' side has taken the matter to the Labour Court where it is to be reviewed today, Wednesday.
      According to the employees, the reasons behind the strike are related to the employers' practice of hiring more and more  part-time drivers. Concordia chief shop steward Risto Vesa feels it is high time to clarify the rules of the game. He believes the strike may continue for some time.
     
Those living in North Espoo and in West Vantaa's suburbs close to the main north-south artery Vihdintie were hit hardest by the strike.
      Also people working at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport found it difficult to get to work. Hardly any of the municipal bus lines to the airport were in service.
      The Finnair shuttle bus for passengers was unaffected by the stoppage.
      Connex Finland managed to dispatch only between 30-40 buses throughout Tuesday. Fifteen of the drivers were foremen or management, including the Connex director Ilkka Loimusto.
      Despite the bus strike, the car traffic in the capital area did not seem to increase noticeably. No congestion worse than usual was reported.
     
According to the drivers' representatives, the strike centres on the employers' increased interest in hiring part-time drivers, who then enjoy fewer benefits than full-time workers.
      The employees' side argues that it benefits the employers to use part-time drivers to whom they do not have to guarantee 80 hours of work in a two-week period. Neither do part-time workers enjoy paid sick-leaves or certain other benefits.
      The Labour Court's view on the legality of the strike will not necessarily have any effect on the duration of the stoppage.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Drivers of three bus companies begin strike in Helsinki region (9.11.2004)

Links:
  YTV: Details of available bus services (in English)

Helsingin Sanomat