Finland Times

 

The Director General of the Government Institute of Economic Research, Juhana Vartiainen in Helsinki on 24 April 2013. Photo – Lehtikuva.

Experts are proposing a gratuitous extension of working hours as a solution to curb the economic problems in the country, according to the Lännen Media which produces content for 12 regional newspapers in Finland.

 

The extension of working hours is considered a better option than cuts in wages. This is because reduced wages impact negatively on consumers’ purchasing power.

 

The suggestion has received support from Juhana Vartiainen, director general of the Government Institute of Economic Research, Reijo Heiskanen, chief economist at OP-Pohjola Group, and Markus Äimälä, director, Labour Law and Industrial Relations, Confederation of Finnish Industries EK.

 

OP-Pohjola Group's chief economist Reijo Heiskanen photographed in Helsinki on 20 January 2014. Photo – Lehtikuva.

“Export prospects are so poor in that all means should be approached in open mind,” said Heiskanen in a Lännen Media interview, adding that current situation demands a change in the attitude.

 

The proposal, however, did not receive backing from Lauri Lyly, chair of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions-SAK.

 

Lyly believes what is more important is to find work for the unemployed.