LÍV Supports PAM Action
19. February 2025LÍV Supports PAM Demands In Strike Action
Strike actions in Finland have intensified, with work stoppages beginning among our colleagues in PAM on Monday, February 17, when employees in transportation and wholesale sectors ceased work. These actions will end tomorrow, February 20. This morning, February 19, employees in retail stores across Finland also went on strike, and this work stoppage will continue until February 22, unless an agreement is reached before then. These actions affect nearly 70,000 members working in major grocery store chains.
The Board of the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV) expresses its full support for the strike actions of PAM, which is LÍV’s sister organization in Finland. PAM’s demands are reasonable and fully align with the goal of Nordic trade unions to secure fair wages and good working conditions for their members. According to PAM, their members' wages have not kept pace with inflation, and the significant wave of inflation in Finland calls for a correction to restore workers' purchasing power.
PAM members have been particularly hard-hit by the austerity policies of the current right-wing government, and the increase in value-added tax disproportionately affects those with the lowest wages, as they spend a larger share of their income on necessities. It is therefore essential to support this group. Furthermore, the wage increase will flow directly back to employers, as PAM members will use it to cover living expenses rather than for investments or savings.
PAM’s demand is to increase purchasing power to levels comparable to those before the pandemic and the inflation spike following the war in Ukraine. Their demand includes a €250 monthly wage increase, implemented as a 6% raise (or at least €150) in the first year of the collective agreement and a 4% raise (or at least €100) in the second year.
PAM also emphasizes that it is a matter of fairness to ensure that jobs provide workers with decent living conditions and to prevent employees from being forced into part-time positions, which disproportionately impact women and families with children. Those forced into such roles face significant stress, often needing multiple jobs and living under constant mental strain. This pressure is inhumane and has clear negative effects on workers' health.
PAM stresses the right of employees to a balance between work and private life. Employees should not be under constant surveillance or expected to respond to employer messages at any time. Everyone has the right to rest and privacy. Employers must also ensure essential training and education for their staff, especially in the wake of public sector cutbacks.
The Board of LÍV fully supports PAM’s demands and stands in solidarity with our colleagues in Finland in their fight for better living conditions. LÍV also emphasizes the importance of protecting workers' rights to join genuine trade unions that advocate for improved working conditions and to exercise their fundamental human right to strike in pursuit of fair collective agreements.