(June 2016) The process of negotiating the so-called competitiveness pact is nearly at an end with 86.5% of workers now covered on the basis of the unions that have signed up. Some negotiations are continuing and so the final figure may exceed 90%. One trade union leader described it as a choice between a pest and cholera with the government threatening tougher measures if the pact were not agreed. It will mean a pay freeze and all workers working 24 hours a year more without pay. But public sector workers will also see a 30% cut in their holiday bonus. Read more at JHL (EN).
Trade unions reluctantly sign competitiveness pact
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Competitiveness pact negotiations get underway
Trade unions are in the midst of challenging sector negotiations on measures agreed at cross-sector level. For the public sector this will involve a 24-hour increase to annual working time without a commensurate pay increase and a 30% cut in holiday pay for the next three years. If these measures are agreed then the government should withdraw its proposals for public sector cuts. Read more at > JHL (EN)
Unions face tough measures in competitiveness pact
Employer and trade union organisations have agreed a competitiveness pact in order to avoid even tougher measures being imposed by the government. Some elements of the pact will impact on hours and leave and will be implemented through collective bargaining. The concessions on the trade union side should be reciprocated on the employer side with increased investment. If the government accepts the pact as an alternative to its proposals then it should abandon plans to cut public spending and raise taxes. [Read more at > Trade Union News (EN)->http://heikkijokinen.info/en/trade-union-news-from
Main union confederations sign social pact
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