Paperworkers Union denounces industry lockout as irresponsible

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The Finnish Paperworkers’ Union has denounced the ongoing lockout in the paper industry as irresponsible. In the view of the union, the industry’s action is causing harm to the Finnish economy and to the companies’ own shareholders.
      The Forest Industries Federation has defended its tough line, saying that the changes that it is demanding are necessary for the improvement of productivity in the industry.
     
According to a statement issued by the council of the Paperworkers’ Union, the action of the employer organisation is temporarily pushing up the price of paper, and spurring inflation.
      "Finnish companies lose market shares resulting from the deliberate disturbances in supply caused by the companies, because customers have to find better, or parallel suppliers in order to secure their own operations", the union statement reads.
      The union also says that the government should be concerned about the losses caused by the lockout.
      The council also declares that winning the current dispute is important for all Finnish wage earners, as well as for paper workers in other countries. The union nevertheless decided not to ask for help from other unions yet - even though such support has been offered.
     
Talks aimed at ending the current dispute continue today, Friday, at the offices of National Conciliator Juhani Salonius. In the afternoon, the General Council of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) will meet to discuss the situation.
      Pekka Laaksonen, Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Forest industries’ Federation, rejects union claims that the industry would be trying to crush the trade union movement.
      Laaksonen said that the industry’s only goal in its demands is the improvement of productivity in the forest industry.
      He also noted that the industry is offering good compensation for those who would work during the Christmas and Midsummer holidays. Under current practice, pulp and paper mills are shut down during those holidays.
      "If productivity improves, we are willing to pay those who achieve it", Laaksonen said.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Paper lockout begins - shortage of products feared in coming weeks (19.5.2005)
  Paper manufacturers threaten to keep mills closed until contract is reached (18.5.2005)
  Two-day strike shuts down entire Finnish pulp and paper industry (16.5.2005)

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