Finland: Air traffic controllers to strike in February and March /update 2

Event

The Finnish Air Traffic Controllers Association (SLJY) union is planning to hold further strikes in February and March to speed up contract negotiations with their employers. A nationwide strike will be held from the evening (local time) of Saturday, February 23, through the morning of Monday, February 25. An additional strike will start at 09:00 on March 4 and last until 09:00 on March 11. Airport operators announced that the strikes should not have a major impact on air traffic, as other staff will take over air traffic control responsibilities. However, flight delays and cancelations are possible throughout Finland, including at Helsinki Airport (HEL), during the strikes.

Context

Salary negotiations have been ongoing for over 18 months and both sides accuse the other of refusing to resolve the dispute. SLJY has rejected to previous settlement proposals, claiming that both agreements failed to address their concerns and a general wage increase of 3.2 percent. 

Advice

Individuals flying to or from Finland on the abovementioned dates are advised to monitor the situation, confirm reservations, and contact their airline for additional information.