On Thursday, March 27, Finnair will be canceling 70 flights as Finnish transportation unions participate in a political strike coinciding with the airline’s annual general meeting00. Approximately 6,500 travelers will be impacted.
The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) and the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) revealed a two-hour work stoppage in opposition to the government’s shareholder policies, particularly regarding plans to increase compensation for the airline’s board members.
The strike is scheduled from 14:00 to 16:00, aligning with Finnair’s AGM in Vantaa that kicks off at 15:00. This disruption will influence operations at Helsinki Airport, including check-in, baggage services, and ground handling.
As per the unions, the demonstration is politically motivated and is not aimed at collective bargaining results or employer-specific agreements. The AKT stated that the suggested raises in board compensation—ranging between 30 and 45 percent over two years—are outrageous considering that the state serves as the majority stakeholder in Finnair.
Finnair’s Chief Operating Officer Jaakko Schildt characterized the action as excessive. “We are striving to provide appropriate reroutes for all affected,” Schildt mentioned in a public statement.
Passengers impacted have been informed and provided with alternative routing options or refunds. Finnair has encouraged all travelers departing on March 27 to check in early, keep an eye on flight updates, and ensure they carry essential belongings in their hand luggage.
Finnair recommended that customers utilize the airline’s mobile app or Manage Booking service to stay updated on the latest changes and rebooking procedures.
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The airline has engaged in extended collective bargaining discussions with its pilots for over six months, during which the National Conciliator’s office has been involved, alongside overtime bans and other forms of industrial action. The employers’ group Palta suggested that the unions might be leveraging this political protest to increase pressure on the ongoing bargaining discussions.
Recently, Finnair has reported enhanced financial performance, though the airline previously indicated that strikes led by pilots had adversely impacted its results.
The Finnish government holds more than 55 percent of Finnair. The proposed increases in board compensation include raising the chair’s annual salary from €61,200 to €88,000.
Thursday’s walkout will mark the latest chapter in a series of politically charged labor protests in Finland, where unions have increasingly expressed discontent toward changes in state policy through targeted industrial actions.