Finnair Strike Continues

The Finnish Cabin Crew Union (SLSY) has rejected a settlement proposal on the collective agreement of Finnair's cabin staff. The cabin crew strike will consequently continue and no date has been agreed for the resumption of negotiations.

"In my opinion, it is appalling that the SLSY has rejected a settlement proposal produced with considerable effort. The proposal was a compromise in which both parties would have succeeded in achieving important objectives. We would have been prepared to give way in changing the days-off system, which was a key concern of the SLSY. Despite this, we could have accepted the proposal,"
said Finnair's President & CEO Mika Vehviläinen.

During the strike, which began last Tuesday, Finnair has managed to operate around 40% of its flight traffic by using capacity leased from other airlines. Some of the cabin staff also reported for work despite the strike. Today, Tuesday 7 December 2010, Finnair flew over 30% of its flights and carried approximately 45% of its customers.

"We are now making every effort to increase the level of traffic by new means. To my mind, it is unreasonable to harness Finnair customers and Finnish business to the pursuit of the unreasonable goals of one key group," Vehviläinen added.

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