Trade union JHL demands larger pay increases to narrow unjustified wage gaps compared to similar public sector jobs.

“We will not accept poorer employment terms when Finland’s government has already made things difficult for social service workers,” JHL President Håkan Ekström noted in a statement.

So far, JHL and the Finnish Association of Private Care Providers (Hali ry) have rejected the proposal presented by National Conciliator Anu Sarjavaara, even though Jyty and other unions accepted the proposal on Sunday.

The strike will begin on Tuesday, February 17, at 00:01 and end on Thursday, February 19, at 23:59.

Additionally, a conditional ban on shift changes across the entire agreement sector and a ban on job hunting at Attendo, Esperi and Mehiläinen groups will remain in effect.

The collective agreement covers employees working in social service companies such as service homes for elderly or disabled people; nursing homes; day care units; emergency or shelter homes; home care; and substance abuse care.

JHL noted that female-dominated public sector pay has improved in recent years, and this progress must continue in the private sector, where work is equally valuable.

“Attracting skilled employees requires better employment terms and genuine cooperation. We expect the employer association to be willing to negotiate,” said Håkan Ekström.

The negotiations are deadlocked because the parties disagree on developing the terms and conditions of employment in the sector and on the level of pay increases.

The employer party has been unbending and offered pay increases that JHL finds insufficient.

The labor dispute impacts over 70,000 workers, with negotiations for a collective agreement ongoing since November.