Strike Warning Issued for Universities of Applied Sciences Ahead of Entrance Exams, Some Institutions Vow to Proceed Regardless
The Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ) has issued a strike warning affecting all universities of applied sciences, with a 24-hour work stoppage planned for 28 May if the ongoing labour dispute remains unresolved. The strike will specifically disrupt tasks related to the supervision of entrance examinations, which are scheduled to take place on the same day for most fields of study (Iltalehti).
The strike warning was formally submitted on 13 May to National Conciliator Anu Sajavaara and the Finnish Education Employers (Sivista), the employer representative for the sector. The decision to escalate follows Sivista’s rejection of a settlement proposal presented by the National Conciliator earlier this month. While OAJ and the Union of Salaried Employees (YTN) accepted the proposal, Sivista declined, citing unresolved issues over the availability supplement—a key point of contention in negotiations (MTV Uutiset; Iltalehti). Hanne Salonen, Labor Market Director at Sivista, told Yle that the assessment of the strike warning’s consequences had begun quickly (Yle).
OAJ Chair Katarina Murto stated in a press release that the union was compelled to take stronger action due to the prolonged deadlock. "The situation has dragged on due to the employers' lack of willingness to resolve and compromise," she said, emphasising the need for renewed mediation efforts to secure a new collective agreement (Iltalehti).
Dispute Over Wages and Working Conditions
The strikes in the sector this spring stem from the expiration of the previous collective agreement at the end of March. Key issues in the dispute include wages, the pay system, and employment conditions. OAJ has reportedly presented Sivista with multiple proposals to address the availability supplement, but the employer representative has not engaged in discussions on the matter (Iltalehti).
The National Conciliator announced on 15 May that they are assessing the conditions for continuing mediation (MTV Uutiset). If no resolution is reached before the 28 May deadline, the strike will proceed, potentially impacting thousands of applicants taking part in the spring entrance examinations.
Despite the strike warning, at least two universities of applied sciences have announced plans to hold entrance examinations as scheduled. Savonia and Haaga-Helia confirmed that their exams will proceed regardless of the strike. Savonia’s Rector Mervi Vidgrén stated in a press release that "preparations have been made carefully," while Haaga-Helia’s Rector and CEO Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta previously told Helsingin Sanomat that their exams would take place in any case (Yle).
14 May, 12:03: updated to include statements from Sivista and confirmations from Savonia and Haaga-Helia that entrance exams will proceed as planned
