Finland rolls out legislative program on labor action

HELSINKI -- The Finnish government on Thursday rolled out a legislative program that will restrict strikes.

Under the program, workers may be fined for knowingly participating in illegal strikes. Fines ordered by courts on unions for illegal strikes will also increase. But strikes associated with tariff bargaining will not be restricted.

Speaking at a government press conference, Labor Minister Arto Satonen said the reform will make Finland more attractive to international companies.

Jarkko Eloranta, chairman of the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions, said he is particularly upset about the planned fines on individuals. "A strike is always a collective action and such personal fine should not be made the law in Finland."