The private social services sector strike in Finland began at midnight on Tuesday, led by the Trade Union for Public and Welfare Services (JHL) and the Employers' Union for Welfare (Hali ry). The strike was prompted by dissatisfaction with a proposal put forth by the national mediator, which was ultimately rejected by the workers’ representatives. The movement has seen considerable participation from strike monitors in cities like Tampere and Kemi, stressing their commitment to the cause.

One striking worker, Amelia Kiiltomäki, emphasized the positive spirit among strikers, highlighting their readiness to demonstrate the importance of their cause. The scope of the strike includes various facilities under well-known providers like Esperi, Attendo, and Mehiläinen, which offer services ranging from care homes to youth and crisis centers. Approximately sixty different facilities are affected, underscoring the strike's widespread impact on social services across Finland.

In addition to standing against poor working conditions, the striking actors aim to raise public awareness about the reasons behind their action. Streets in Tampere were filled with sounds of encouragement from passersby, indicating a community backing for the workers’ cause. The union encourages public engagement to comprehend the significance of these workers’ demands for better conditions, further emphasizing the critical nature of the social services sector in Finnish society and the urgency of addressing their grievances.