Finland Times

Schools and day-care centres will remain closed, while long-distance and commuter trains as well as a number of buses will be out of service on Friday due to a dawn-to-dusk (6.00 am to 6.00 pm) countrywide strike called by trade unions.

The Locomotive Drivers’ Union (VML) confirmed on Sunday afternoon that long distance, commuter and freight locomotive drivers will stay away from their work during the demonstration from.

In Helsinki, the demonstration will be held for two hours at the city centre starting from 11.00 am to 13.00 pm.

Air passengers have been also advised to take precautions due to the possible delays.

The metro and tram services in the capital city region will also suspend operations, but there had been no information as by Sunday evening how long the stoppage will take place.

The Trade Union of Education of Finland-OAJ along with other unions announced on Sunday their participation in Friday’s demonstration.

The teachers’ participation in the demonstration will go ahead in spite of illegality of the work stoppage for teachers within municipal administration.

OAJ Chairman Olli Luukkainen said the association was prepared to pay possible fines for taking part in the demonstration.

An individual cannot be held liable, if the person participates in a political demonstration decided by a union or an organisation.

The ongoing matriculation examinations will not be affected by the demonstration, Luukkainen said

“We are also prepared to organise transportation from other parts of the country to Helsinki,” Luukkainen told the news agency STT.

According to Luukkainen, it will be clear in the next few days the extent to which school and kindergarten teachers will demonstrate against the government.

Day-carers, represented by the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors-JHL, who work in day-care centres will also be participating in the demonstration in their droves.

Only those employees who are on leave within the healthcare and social sectors will join the demonstration, believes Jarkko Eloranta from JHL.

According to Eloranta, each organisation will decide at the local level whether to participate in the demonstration or not.

The extent to which employees, for example, airhostess, stewards and airport staff, will participate in the demonstration will be clear today.

Public transport could be disrupted in Turku, Tampere and Oulu. Bus and passenger car associations in Tampere and Oulu region will review the situation in the Transport Workers’ Union (ATK) board meeting today.

Oulun Seudun Autoalantyöntekijät ry, which represents automotive workers in Oulu region, will decide no later than Wednesday on the possible participation in the demonstration.