On April 15, a two-day police strike began in the capital region of Finland—the first such strike in almost half a century.
Due to the strike, appointments are being canceled and applications for offenses, asylum, or temporary protection are not being accepted in the Western Uusimaa region. However, electronic services will continue to operate as usual. The police have assured the public that protection and safety will still be maintained during the strike.
In addition to law enforcement, the strike also affects the Hämeenlinna and Vantaa prisons.
Such strikes are rare: according to police, the last time they walked out was in 1976.
The current protest stems from stalled wage negotiations, affecting nearly 80,000 workers. On Monday, both sides rejected the proposal made by the national mediator to resolve the conflict. Police officers deserve a pay raise just like everyone else, said chief union representative Janne Niiniharju.
“I find it at least insulting that we’re expected to accept a smaller percentage increase than other sectors,” Niiniharju stated.
