Finnish food strike narrowly averted

The Finnish Food Workers’ Union (SEL) and the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation (ETL) signed a four-year agreement allowing for greater flexibility in working hours which ETL representative, Hekki Juutinen said would guarantee fresh produce in shops daily.

After rejecting three earlier settlements, the union approved the employer’s fourth proposal on Monday evening by a vote of 17 to 16, with ETL’s approval coming later the same night.

The consequences​

The strike was scheduled to begin today amid fears it would lead to serious repercussions for Finnish food processors. Finnish retailers said that, since more goods would need to be imported, consumers could alter their buying habits.

Hanne Kortesoja, corporate communication and IR manager at Finnish food company Atria, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the threat of strike action had affected both the firm’s domestic and overseas dealings. However, since the agreement had been reached, things were beginning to “get back to a normal rhythm”​, she added

Sirpa Rinne, communications director for ETL, agreed that it was business as usual for food production in Finland.

Missed opportunity for exporters​

Jorma Vehviläinen, CEO of supply company Inex partners, the supply company for retail chain SOK, told Finnish press that Swedish and Danish meat processors could potentially benefit when industrial action looked likely.

The labour dispute had begun to affect supplies of beef, pork, processed meat and ready-made meals. Domestic bread manufacturers, such as Vaasan, were also reported to have been affected. Earlier this month, Vehviläinen spoke of his company’s plans to import goods from neighbouring countries and bake bread in stores.

During the period of uncertainty, retailers reported increased sales of frozen foods and available meat products. Retailers noted an increase in chicken sales for example as the meat was unaffected by the clash.

The impact of the recently avoided strike was predicated to be more widespread and disruptive than previous action in April and earlier in May.