
Protesters gather at the Central Railway Station in Helsinki, Finland, Friday, Sept. 18, 2015. (Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Protesters gather at the Central Railway Station in Helsinki, Finland, Friday, Sept. 18, 2015. (Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP)
Workers in Finland on Friday are said to be their biggest strike in over 20 years as they protest the government's new austerity measures.
At least 15 domestic flights had been canceled, while ports and public transportation were shut down.
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila has insisted that the measures--which include shortening annual holidays from 38 to 30 working days, halving overtime pay rate increases, cutting Sunday work bonuses, and reducing sick leave pay--are "indispensable" to getting the economy back on track.
"The government intends, through coercive legislation, to weaken working conditions," Lauri Lyly, leader of biggest union, SAK, said in an emailed comment to Bloomberg.
Roughly 30,000 protesters gathered in the Nordic nation's capital of Helsinki, with some carrying signs that read, "No way!"
"We all know Finland's economy is doing poorly," Antti Rinne, leader of the opposition Social Democrats and a former finance minister said at the Helsinki rally. "But it is not improved by forced measures but through cooperation and agreements."
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Workers in Finland on Friday are said to be their biggest strike in over 20 years as they protest the government's new austerity measures.
At least 15 domestic flights had been canceled, while ports and public transportation were shut down.
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila has insisted that the measures--which include shortening annual holidays from 38 to 30 working days, halving overtime pay rate increases, cutting Sunday work bonuses, and reducing sick leave pay--are "indispensable" to getting the economy back on track.
"The government intends, through coercive legislation, to weaken working conditions," Lauri Lyly, leader of biggest union, SAK, said in an emailed comment to Bloomberg.
Roughly 30,000 protesters gathered in the Nordic nation's capital of Helsinki, with some carrying signs that read, "No way!"
"We all know Finland's economy is doing poorly," Antti Rinne, leader of the opposition Social Democrats and a former finance minister said at the Helsinki rally. "But it is not improved by forced measures but through cooperation and agreements."
Workers in Finland on Friday are said to be their biggest strike in over 20 years as they protest the government's new austerity measures.
At least 15 domestic flights had been canceled, while ports and public transportation were shut down.
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila has insisted that the measures--which include shortening annual holidays from 38 to 30 working days, halving overtime pay rate increases, cutting Sunday work bonuses, and reducing sick leave pay--are "indispensable" to getting the economy back on track.
"The government intends, through coercive legislation, to weaken working conditions," Lauri Lyly, leader of biggest union, SAK, said in an emailed comment to Bloomberg.
Roughly 30,000 protesters gathered in the Nordic nation's capital of Helsinki, with some carrying signs that read, "No way!"
"We all know Finland's economy is doing poorly," Antti Rinne, leader of the opposition Social Democrats and a former finance minister said at the Helsinki rally. "But it is not improved by forced measures but through cooperation and agreements."