In February 2024, Finland will become the scene of a protest by airport workers, which will lead to flight cancellations and great inconvenience for tourists. During the two-day strike, which will begin on 1 February, workers will protest against planned labour market reforms. Read more about the reasons and possible consequences of the February strike in Finland

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Starting 1 February, a two-day political strike will take place, which will significantly affect the operations of all major Finnish airports. Commercial flights to and from most airports in the country will be temporarily suspended during the first two days of February. Airport workers have joined a nationwide political strike, demanding that the government cancel planned labour market reforms. Passengers and airlines should be prepared for possible disruptions to air travel during this period.  Traditionally, the most tourists to Finland come from Sweden, Norway and Germany.

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The reason for the strike by Finnish airline workers

The latest round of strikes and demonstrations against the government's planned labour market reforms was initiated by Finland's two largest trade union federations, SAK and STTK, which announced their plans earlier this week.

They have since been joined by the country's other major unions, with the Industrial Workers' Union announcing on Thursday that 60,000 of its members at 700 companies across the country will walk off the job on 1 February.

The PAM service workers' union announced on Wednesday that it was also joining the political strike in early February.

Earlier on Friday, the Preschool Teachers' Union warned that many kindergartens across the country would be closed on 1 February as its members would also join the strike.

Number of customers affected by the February strike at Finnish airports

In its official announcement, national airline Finnair warns of the significant impact of the upcoming strike on its operations and possible flight cancellations. The press release emphasises that approximately 60,000 passengers planning to travel on 1-2 February may be affected by the strike and expresses its regrets for any disruption to their plans. The airline is not making any changes to its schedule for the duration of the strike, but is already offering customers the option to change their flights. 

Jari Paajanen, Finnair's Vice President of Operations Control, expressed hope that passengers will find alternative flights in advance, avoid uncertainty and be able to maintain their travel plans. Due to the estimated number of customers affected, Finnair is doing everything possible to provide comfort and options for its passengers during the difficult period of the strike.

Day of demonstrations and strikes in Finland

Protests and demonstrations against the government's planned labour market reforms in Finland are gaining momentum. The latest round of actions was initiated by two of the country's leading trade union federations, SAK and STTK. These unions announced their plans earlier this week and have already gathered a significant number of supporters.

Joining the protests, the Trade Union of Industrial Workers has determined that 60,000 of its members at 700 companies across the country will be forced to walk off the job on 1 February.

Another important group to join the political strike is the PAM Service Workers' Union, which announced its support on Wednesday.

It is also known that the Preschool Teachers' Union will join the protest, warning that many kindergartens across the country will be closed on 1 February.

These actions are part of a nationwide protest movement protesting against planned reforms affecting working conditions. Many workers from various sectors are expressing their dissatisfaction, and the addition of new groups to the strike is increasing pressure on the government.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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