Chinese equipment installers at Kotka factory site lack union access

Over 200 Chinese equipment installers are currently working at the Easpring Finland battery material factory construction site in Kotka, reports Yle.

The workers, employed by the Chinese state-owned China Harbour Engineering Company, are installing industrial furnaces for the plant. However, union representatives report difficulties in accessing the workers for advocacy.

Jarkko Harjumaaskola of the Construction Union said most workers do not speak English, creating a language barrier. While the union has held discussions with site foremen and English-speaking Chinese supervisors, direct communication with the workers has proven impossible.

Tapio Anttila of the Industrial Union has attempted to visit the site since spring but received no response to his requests. He tried to approach the workers near the site, introducing himself in Finnish and English, but received no reply.

Easpring Finland commercial director Vesa Koivisto acknowledged a possible misunderstanding and confirmed that Industrial Union representatives are welcome to visit. A site visit has now been scheduled for July.

The factory will soon begin producing cathode active material for the automotive industry. About 70 employees have been hired so far, with 40 Chinese specialists arriving in the coming weeks to assist with production startup. The plant is expected to employ around 270 people, with approximately 20% being Chinese experts in the long term.