3-day strike called by security guards begins today

The security guards called a countrywide three-day strike beginning from Wednesday prompted the national railway operator, VR authority to keep the railway station buildings closed and will cause delay the security screening at the airports.

The security guards decided to go for the strike protesting against the payment and conditions in the security guard sector.

The stoppage begins on Wednesday at 00:00 and ends on Friday at 24:00.

The parties to the labour conflict are the Service Union United (PAM) and the Service Sector Employers PALTA.

The trade union also warned to go for another strike in November, if its demands are not fulfilled by this time.

The work stoppage will affect all tasks to which the collective agreement of the security sector is applied. A part of security control personnel falls within the agreement.

Finavia, the company operates country´s airports feared impact of the strike at security controls of Helsinki Airport.

The strike action may cause congestion at security control points, said a press release issued by Finavia.

The authority requested the passengers to be prepared to face long queue and arrive at the airport in good time.

Priority security control in Terminal 1 is not in use during the strike but passengers can use the Priority security control at Terminal 2. The passengers should follow the information provided by the airline they are flying with.

“We will make every effort possible to minimise the impact of the strike. For example, we are working in close cooperation with authorities to ensure a high level of security at airports,” said Finavia’s Security Manager Ari Kumara.

VR sources said that the premises adjacent to the railway stations will remain closed at many cities due to the strike.

Travellers, however, will be able to access the platforms normally.

VR authority, however, will try to keep some big station buildings open during the strike. The station building will remain open are Helsinki, Tampere, Lahti, Jyväskylä, Turku, Rovaniemi, Kolari, Kemijärvi, Kuopio, Seinäjoki, Oulu, Tikkurila, Järvenpää, Hyvinkää and Kouvola.