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)