Finland’s tech industry just secured a 7.8% salary increase in a new labor agreement, but not everyone is happy—and more strikes are still possible. Here’s what you need to know about the pay raise, ongoing negotiations, and how this could impact businesses and workers across Finland.
Who’s Getting a 7.8% Salary Increase? 💰
The Technology Industry Employers and the Industrial Union struck a deal covering over 100,000 workers in Finland’s key industrial sectors. The agreement includes:
✅ 7.8% total pay increase spread over three years
✅ 2.5% raise in 2024, followed by 2.9% in 2026 and 2.4% in 2027
✅ Local company-level negotiations will determine additional salary adjustments
But here’s the catch: Not all industries have reached a deal yet, and that’s why strikes are still on the table.
Which Industries Are Still Negotiating? ⚠️
While tech and chemical industry workers have secured a deal, other sectors are still in talks:
📌 Engineers and economists – No agreement yet
📌 Senior staff in tech companies – Strike threats if no progress
📌 Consulting & IT services – Still negotiating
If these groups don’t reach agreements soon, expect more labor disputes and potential disruptions in the coming weeks.
More Strikes Coming? Here’s What to Expect 🚨
Several unions have already issued strike warnings, and more could follow.
📅 February 28: Senior staff in tech companies could walk off the job, with four strike days planned on Fridays.
📅 March 3: The Industrial Union is planning a strike at UPM Plywood.
📅 Next week: The Service Union PAM is threatening strikes in ski resorts, customer service, and telemarketing.
In addition, overtime bans and work-related travel restrictions could slow down companies until late March.
Why Is This Pay Raise a Big Deal? 💡
💰 Largest wage increase in recent negotiations – This 7.8% pay bump sets the standard for other industries.
📉 Inflation & cost of living concerns – Higher wages help workers, but some employers worry about rising costs.
📊 Finland’s economic impact – Ongoing strikes could affect business operations and slow down industrial output.
What’s Next for Finnish Workers & Businesses? 🔎
This 7.8% wage deal could serve as a benchmark for upcoming labor negotiations across different industries.
However, several major sectors are still in discussions:
✈️ Finnair pilots – Still locked in a labor dispute.
🛍️ Retail & service workers – No final deal yet.
🏥 Municipal & healthcare employees – Their agreement runs until 2027, but small wage increases are expected.
With some industries settling agreements and others threatening strikes, Finland’s job market and economy are in for a bumpy ride in 2025.
🚀 Stay tuned for more updates on labor agreements, wage trends, and strike developments in Finland!