Finnish teachers’ union issues new strike warning for universities of applied sciences

The Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ) has issued another strike warning, marking the eighth in the ongoing labour dispute at universities of applied sciences, Finnish broadcaster Yle reports.

On Thursday, April 23, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences may face a strike unless a settlement is reached beforehand, according to the union. This is the second strike warning targeting Metropolia and the eighth overall in the dispute.

The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland (YTN) also submitted a strike warning for Metropolia on Wednesday.

OAJ chair Katarina Murto stated that the warnings aim to accelerate negotiations. “The slow progress is not due to OAJ,” she said in a press release.

Finnish universities of applied sciences are currently experiencing their first-ever strike, with staff at Metropolia’s Helsinki campuses walking out on Wednesday. Another strike is scheduled for Thursday at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK).

Both OAJ and YTN have declared an “overtime ban,” instructing members to refuse extra work, travel during free time, or accumulate flexible working hours. The ban remains in effect until a new collective agreement is reached.

The dispute centres on the expired collective labour agreement for Sivista, the employer organisation for universities of applied sciences. Negotiations broke down in March, and mediated talks are ongoing this week under the national conciliator.