Two-day strike to affect banks in Finland

Bank staff in Finland will mount a two-day strike on Thursday and Friday, forcing nearly all the banks to shut down, the Central Organization of the Financial Sector said on Wednesday.

The major dispute that causes the strike is about weekend work. Banks in Finland have offered weekend consultative services, based on agreements with the staff members.

The trade unions want, however, good compensation for weekend work. Marita Kortehisto, the negotiator from the Pro Liitto, one of the major unions representing bank staff, told media that Sunday work must be voluntary and well compensated.

The next negotiation under the state mediator Minna Helle is scheduled for next Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, there will be a second stage of strike on the fourth and fifth of January.

During the first strike on Thursday and Friday, teller automats and internet banking are supposed to function, but telephone services will heavily reduce. Debit and credit cards are expected to function, said the Central Organization of the Financial Sector.

The strike takes places against the backdrop of impending major layoffs in banks. The unions are upset that banks treat the personnel harshly when the profits of the sector are high.

Background backing work has also been transferred from Finland to Poland and Baltic countries where labor is cheaper.

According to local media MTV news, the strike will force the closure of the bulk of Nordea and Osuuspankki branches.