On March 11, 2024, the Finnish union AKT called a strike for all dockworkers in the country in response to austerity measures implemented by the new Government, which particularly affect the labor market and social welfare. Initially, the strike was supposed to last until March 25, but it was then extended first until April 1 and then until April 8. The worker's stoppage blocked much of Finland's imports and exports, with estimated damages of 300 million euros. Finally, at six in the morning on April 8, the strike was suspended, and port operations resumed. However, as Maersk notes, port congestion is expected.
Union sources claim that nearly seven thousand port workers went on strike for almost a month, and the suspension was decided to facilitate dialogue with the Government. During the port stoppage, major shipping companies - such as Maersk, Cma Cgm, and Viking Line - diverted ships to the Estonian port of Tallinn, where containers were stored or recipients could collect them using their means, possibly utilizing ro-ro ships, which were not affected by the strike. It is estimated that around ten thousand containers per week were affected.
The union has suspended the strike to continue negotiations with the Government but has not called it off. On April 18, it will assess the situation to decide whether and how to continue the dispute.
