A labour dispute in the Finnish food industry that caused 12,000 workers strike last week has escalated with a bigger strike being mooted for this week. The strike is part of the negotiation process for the renewal of collective bargaining agreements between the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation (ETL) and the Finnish Food Workers’ Union (SEL).

A proposed new working time model from the ETL which regulates the overtime for weekend work is  the main conflict issue between the parties. The union claims the industry offer will deteriorate working conditions while the industry argues that it will improve worker flexibility.

The impact of the conflict can already be seen on supermarket shelves where stocks of bread and fresh and processed meats are running thin. But so far any shortages have been more a result of consumers stocking up on food supplies rather than any operational problems at Finnish food companies. Nevertheless, with a bigger strike threatened for this week, the food industry and consumers alike are bracing themselves for disruption. Up until now the union has refused to accept three proposals for a collective agreement from the industry. If there is still no compromise, the union is planning a six day total strike from May 11 onwards.