Wed, 20 Jan, 2016 01:40:59 AM FTimes- STT Report, Jan 20
The talks are likely to resume early next week, meeting sources said. The Confederation of Finnish Industries-EK announced on Tuesday morning that it was ready to explore the possibility of re-launching the talks.
EK is believed to no longer stick to its previously set condition that the talks could not progress unless the Transport Workers’ Union-AKT is back to the negotiation table. Despite the signs of progress, there are still issues which have to be ironed out. EK wants the agreement on wages to be struck during the trade unions round of talks in autumn. On the other hand, trade unions hope that increase of salaries should be agreed as part of the social contract. EK CEO Jyri Häkämies, however, pointed out that it would be realistic to have a social contract which in the near future does not compromise the salary level. Resumption of the talks received fresh support from the trade unions; however, they are still dealing with the issue within their hierarchy. The chair of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Union-SAK, Lauri Lyly told reporters that he hoped for a new attempt, even though the issue has not become much easier as it had been during the previous round of talks in November and December last year.
Lyly said he would recommend resuming the talks when SAK’s executive committee convenes on Thursday. The question of whether the union’s offer tabled in autumn is still valid will also be discussed in the meeting. News agency STT, however, could not reach the chair of AKT, Marko Piirainen to comment on the labour market organisation situation. Concerning the participation of AKT in the talks, Häkämies said he hoped for a solution which suits all the parties.
“We keep believing that this kind of solution would be possible. If this is not the case, it remains to be seen what the situation will be then,” Häkämies said, adding that there will be no blocking of the path; rather a positive attitude towards a solution will be sought.
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