Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT’s collective agreement negotiations are concluded

In total, the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT reached agreements for 17 different sectors. The largest agreement sectors are trucking and bus sectors. AKT also agrees on the working conditions of cabin crew, i.e. flight attendants and stewards, as well as stevedores and freight forwarders. In total, approximately 50,000 Finnish transport workers work in various positions within the scope of AKT's collective agreements.

This time, AKT negotiated and agreed on almost all wage increases for all employees as general wage increases. From the employees' perspective, this means that the increases follow a general line, i.e. 7.8 percent increase over three years. The increase applies to all employees in the transport sector in Finland, thanks to our generally binding agreements. The agreements do, however, include the possibility of termination by either party after two years.

The AKT members are particularly satisfied with the fact that the Finnish government’s attempts to undermine the labour legislation were not included in collective agreements. The current employment terms and conditions were successfully defended.

However, the export model, which the government has put into legislation, is slowing down the development of working conditions, which is worrying. The export model made negotiations more rigid, and any text issues or qualitative solutions for working life were barely even discussed. For example, no changes were made to the conditions for rest periods and driving time, which are very important for workers in the transport sector. Introducing qualitative changes in working life in Finland seem to have halted because of the export model, and work productivity has not been improved either.

- The next government must dismantle this legislation-based export model that paralyzes all development in the world of work. The EU has been pursuing social dialogue, which means that employers and employees develop working life together by agreeing, not just through legislative changes, says Ismo Kokko, chairman of AKT. 

Unions in the Finnish Trade Union Confederation SAK cooperated closely throughout the negotiation round, which deserves credit.

- Setting goals, exchanging information and planning possible organizational activities worked extremely well this time around, so we are well-positioned to continue towards new challenges, says Ismo Kokko.

A big thank you goes to all AKT members who have been involved in defining the negotiating objectives, involved in various union branches and at the collective bargaining table. The negotiations began with preparations in August 2024. The actual negotiations lasted for about six months, from December 3rd to June 2nd.
 
You can find news about the negotiation round at akt.fi/neuvottelut