Finland's transport networks crippled by ongoing national strike action
The strike action has been called to protest against government plans to reform labour laws, which unions say will reduce the incomes of Finland's poorest people.
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00:00 An unprecedented nationwide strike kicked off on Thursday in Finland. A rally in the
00:06 capital Helsinki attracted 10,000 workers, according to the police. Trade unions estimate
00:12 up to 300,000 workers from many sectors could participate in the strikes. Much of the Nordic
00:18 nation has ground to a halt, with transport sectors, planes, trains, ferries and buses
00:23 out of action today.
00:24 "We are competing in the world markets, and the fact that a Finnish person is doing a
00:31 job in the world markets means that in this competition, the Finnish employer and the
00:38 Finnish state are on the same side."
00:41 Major Finnish trade unions are protesting against government plans to reform labor laws.
00:46 Among the key issues are significant cuts to social welfare and rewriting the rules
00:51 of collective bargaining. The government insists the reforms are crucial to keep Finnish economy
00:57 competitive and sustainable.
00:58 (audience applauding)