A strike in the private social services sector in Finland is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, February 17, at 00:01, running until Thursday, February 19, at 23:59. The union representing the majority of the striking workers, the Finnish Union of Practical Nurses (Super), along with the Public and Welfare Sector Union (JHL) and employers' association Hyvinvointiala Hali ry, rejected a proposed settlement put forward by the national conciliator on Saturday. The continuation of negotiations will be announced at a later date, indicating ongoing tensions in the labor relations landscape in this sector.

The strike is expected to involve various units of significant private care providers, including Attendo, Esperi, and Mehiläinen. A core issue fueling the strike is the desire among caregivers and other professional groups in private social services to close the wage gap between themselves and public sector employees, highlighting long-standing concerns about equitable compensation within the labor market. The collective bargaining dispute involves over 70,000 employees, stressing the urgency and importance of a resolution to maintain welfare services in Finland.

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement have been ongoing since November, emphasizing the protracted nature of the discussions and the heightened stakes for those involved. The strike not only reflects employee dissatisfaction with wage inequalities but also points to broader issues within Finland’s social welfare system, where adequate compensation is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled professionals in the caregiving sector. As the situation develops, it will be important to monitor the response from both the unions and the government to address these crucial labor issues and ensure continued service delivery in private social care settings.