A final decision on whether or not cargo handlers at Finnish seaports will go on strike on Friday next week is expected to come sometime next week. Transport Workers' Union (AKT) chairman Timo Räty yesterday found that a mediation proposal put forward by National Conciliator Juhani Salonius is acceptable, but he feels that the issues at stake are so great that the union's whole membership needs to be consulted.
The negotiators on the employers' side also recommended that the proposal be accepted - even though Jouko Santala, head of the Finnish Port Operators' Association, called the proposed settlement expensive and impractical.
Salonius gave the two sides until Thursday next week to reach a final decision on the matter.
The proposal contains a number of changes regarding working hours demanded by the employers' side.
"The question of working hours is such a big issue, that making a decision without a vote among the membership is impossible", Räty said, adding that it would take more than a week before the results of the vote are tallied.
The dispute between the sides centred around both the working hour issue and the use of temporary labour at Finnish harbours.
Salonius' mediation proposal calls for giving permanent positions to more temporary workers. Stevedores would also be expected to do more regular night and weekend shifts, which are currently done as overtime.
Jouko Santala said that giving permanent jobs to temporary workers places a burden on the employers, because there is not always enough work to go around among the present employees. However, he welcomed the proposed changes in working hour legislation.
