Letter of solidarity from the EESC Workers' Group to the Finnish trade unions

Dear Presidents,

On behalf of the Workers' Group, I want to express our full support and solidarity with the Finnish trade unions and Finnish workers in your fight to defend the rights of workers and unemployed people, confronted with the unfair and aggressive anti-worker programme of the Orpo-Purra Government.

Our members are extremely concerned by the Government's lack of respect for Finland's long and successful tradition of social dialogue, both bipartite and tripartite, which has been an example for many others in the European Union. At a time when the European Union, by adopting the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, has recognised the need to strengthen collective bargaining, the Opro-Purra Government is pulling in exactly the opposite direction.

The attacks on the right to strike, on trade unions' bargaining power and other trade union rights, as well on working conditions risk seriously undermining the Finnish social contract, which has proved its value. The use of disparaging and inflammatory terms such as "mafia" by Government ministers when referring to trade unions is shocking and totally unacceptable in a democratic country and member of the European Union.  

Additionally, by pursuing aggressive reforms to the welfare state, such as the proposed cuts to social benefits for low-income wage earners, unemployed people, pensioners and families, the Government is attacking some of the most vulnerable in society, with the consequent risk of poverty and social exclusion. 

Please be assured that the Workers' Group stands firmly alongside our Finnish trade union colleagues in your campaign of political strikes and mobilisation to try to prevent these unfair measures. We also call on the Government to step back from its confrontational approach and enter into a proper dialogue and negotiations with the trade unions. 

In solidarity,

Lucie Studničná
President of the EESC Workers´ Group