At least two universities of applied sciences to hold entrance exams despite potential strike

At least two Finnish universities of applied sciences will proceed with their scheduled entrance exams on May 28, despite a strike warning issued by the Trade Union of Education (OAJ), reports public broadcaster Yle.

The OAJ announced a strike warning on Wednesday covering all of Finland’s universities of applied sciences, threatening work stoppages for tasks related to entrance exam supervision if no agreement is reached in ongoing labour negotiations. The potential strike would take effect on May 28, the day many institutions hold their admissions tests.

However, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences have confirmed their exams will go ahead as planned. Savonia announced the decision in a press release, stating that preparations had been carefully made in advance.

Mervi Vidgrén, rector of Savonia, emphasised that the institution was ready to proceed. Meanwhile, Haaga-Helia’s rector and CEO, Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, had earlier told Helsingin Sanomat that the school’s entrance exams would be held regardless of whether the strike materialises.

Hanne Salonen, labour market director at Sivista, the employer organisation for education, told Yle that assessments of the strike warning’s potential impact had begun immediately after the announcement.