Transport strike to stop about half of Helsinki regional bus transport and most refuse disposal

Harbour strike could begin Thursday

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Trash containers in the yards of residential buildings in the Helsinki region are expected to start filling up quickly after a strike called by the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) begins at 6:00 PM on Tuesday.
      The strike will also halt local bus services and long-distance coach services operated by private companies.
     
The situation varies considerably between cities. Local bus lines that are run directly by the municipal transit authorities are not affected by the strike. However, those municipal bus lines that have been contracted to private transport companies will be hit by cancellations.
      In Helsinki, much of the city’s internal transport will remain operational. In the Helsinki region the strike will have its greatest effect on routes operating between the cities of the metropolitan area, and internal bus lines in Espoo and Vantaa.
      In Tampere about a third of local bus lines will come to a halt, and in Turku maybe two thirds. Some small rural bus companies have been left outside the strike; school transport is expected to run normally.
     
In long-distance services, transport companies may be able to run a few routes with management and supervisory personnel filling in for striking drivers.
     
Most grocery stores expect to be supplied with goods, as most of their transport is dealt with by small transport companies not affected by the strike. Some regional variation is expected, and many stores have made preparations for the industrial action.
      If shortages occur, dairy goods and fresh produce are likely to be the first to be affected.
      If the strike is prolonged, there could be a shortage of heating oil. Deliveries of aviation fuel could also be affected.
     
Export industries are very concerned. In addition to a rupture in road transport within Finland, another possible strike called by AKT threatens harbour operations on Thursday.
     
At stake in the dispute between AKT and the Employers’ Federation of Road Transport (ALT) are union demands for pay and severance benefits, which the management side considers excessive, as well as the use of part-time labour and subcontracting.
      On Monday, National Conciliator Esa Lonka submitted a mediation proposal, which the union side rejected. ALT would have agreed to Lonka’s proposal.
      AKT chairman Timo Räty would have liked to continue negotiations while there was still more than 24 hours before the start of the strike. However, Lonka would not agree to any further talks on Monday.
     
More information on the effects of the strike is available on the websites of individual companies, as well as at the links below.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  UPDATED: Transport workers’ strike to begin on Tuesday evening (1.3.2010)
  Bus and lorry strike postponed past winter holidays of Southern Finland (19.2.2010)
  Threatened transport strike could have serious knock-on effects (15.2.2010)

Links:
  Matkahuolto
  Helsinki Region Transport - Services during strike
  Transport Workers´ Union (AKT)
  Employers´ Federation of Road Transport (ALT)

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