University labour dispute resolved

The nearly four-month university collective bargaining has been concluded. National Conciliator Anu Sajavaara submitted a settlement proposal in the labour dispute on Monday, May 19th. Finnish Education Employers (Sivista), representing the universities, and the employee unions JUKO, Pro, and JHL accepted the settlement proposal to resolve the dispute on May 21st.   

The settlement proposal includes a 7.8 percent salary increase for three years. The salary settlement includes a larger amount of general increase than other settlements with the so-called ‘general line’. 

Negotiations were long in the making to find a solution to the work planning in university staff in total working time. Finnish Education Employers sought a permanent change, where teaching duties would be considered as a whole, instead of only observing contact teaching hours. The settlement proposal includes a two-year pilot for work planning.  

– The settlement does not meet our objectives, but compromises must be made on both sides in negotiations and conciliation. However, the proposal was acceptable, says Hanne Salonen, Labour Market Director at Finnish Education Employers. 

The settlement includes several working groups, including one on improving the salary system.  

– We hope that the almost 3-year agreement will give the unions and universities time and opportunities to further develop the working conditions. The parties have a common interest to ensure that the well-being of university staff is taken care of and that the high quality of teaching and research is maintained, Salonen says. 

University of Helsinki and Turku received a strike threat on the 12th of May. Due to the acceptance of the settlement proposal, all industrial action will be cancelled. 

For more information:

• Hanne Salonen, Labour Market Director
  p. 040 520 4877