What is a political strike and why would banning them be wrong?
A political strike is a strike declared by the trade union. Its primary goal is not to affect collective agreements or employers. Instead, its purpose is to pursue political or societal goals. Political strikes can concern for example labour legislation or employees’ right to social security and unemployment security.
The #SeriousGrounds strikes in spring 2024 are political strikes. They oppose the Government Programme entries that will bring misery to working life and decrease unemployment security and employees’ income. The Government also intends to cut future strikes: the list of planned cuts includes limiting the right to strike.
Participation in a political strike is an acceptable reason for absence from work, and the employer cannot impose measures on the employees for their participation. Public servants cannot take part in a political strike.
Opposing the Government’s policy with strikes is permitted
In December 2023 the European Parliament published a study about the right to political strikes on their website. The current strikes in Finland are a protest against the Government’s reforms. Many of the reforms that the Government is pushing will have a direct effect on employees’ social and economic interests. Strikes against these reforms are protected under the rules of both the EU and the International Labour Organization ILO. However, the EU Member States do not have a common, clear policy that defines when political striking is permitted. Indeed, there is need for a clear policy on this matter for national authorities and on the EU level.
Strikes 2024 – Serious grounds
The Government of Finland is making cuts that hit employees and people with a small income. The Government is going to bring misery to working life and harshly weaken social security. The list of planned cuts also includes limiting the right to strike.
The strikes in spring 2024 are political strikes that oppose the Government Programme’s weakenings to working life.