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23 January, 2000Finnish metalworkers ratify an agreement giving them a pay raise of 3.1 per cent.
FINLAND: The Finnish Metalworkers' Union, an IMF affiliate, reports that a new collective agreement for the metal branch (metal and electronics) was accepted on January 16. The contract, which expires on January 31, 2001, offers a pay increase of 3.1 per cent and covers approximately 110,000 union members, as same-level agreements have already been reached at the union's other branches, e.g. auto and machine repair shops and the telecommunications sector.
The president of the metalworkers' union, Per-Erik Lundh, told a press conference that the government's promise to cut taxes helped in the wage talks, and "we hope that other sectors will now follow so that we will be spared any labour market unrest." With the planned government tax reduction representing a 1 per cent increase in wages, and with inflation expected at 2 per cent, real earnings for the metalworkers are estimated to rise by 1.5 to 2 per cent for the year 2000.
Lundh characterised the deal as an "agreement for jobs." It should boost employment within the metal industry, as well as further the country's international competitiveness.
The president of the metalworkers' union, Per-Erik Lundh, told a press conference that the government's promise to cut taxes helped in the wage talks, and "we hope that other sectors will now follow so that we will be spared any labour market unrest." With the planned government tax reduction representing a 1 per cent increase in wages, and with inflation expected at 2 per cent, real earnings for the metalworkers are estimated to rise by 1.5 to 2 per cent for the year 2000.
Lundh characterised the deal as an "agreement for jobs." It should boost employment within the metal industry, as well as further the country's international competitiveness.