Paper Workers' Union lambasts UPM for pursuing better profitability with harsh and senseless measures

UPM dismisses 672 employees in Finland

(Helsinki 14.05.2006 - Juhani Artto) The Paper Workers' Union will stop production at all Finnish pulp and paper mills with the exception of two. The stoppage is in protest against the way in which the Forest Industry has chosen to improve profitability. The protest will last from Monday morning to Wednesday morning when the Union of Salaried Employees TU will begin its 24 hour stoppage.

"Paper workers feel deeply insulted at the way they have been treated by the employers", Paper Workers' Union president Jouko Ahonen said on Friday. Above all, workers will protest against the UPM decision to close, in Finland, the Voikkaa paper mill and several production lines. The decision includes dismissal of 672 employees of whom 575 work at the Voikkaa mill.

"In Finland, enterprises have adopted a managing culture that prioritises the shareholders' interests, although it is the personnel that have, by its work throughout the decades, created the enterprises wealth", Ahonen insists. "It is also highly questionable whether dismissal will lead to economic benefits in enterprises that are sound in their basic structures".

According to Ahonen, in many instances where UPM local employee consultation negotiations took place employer representatives were dismissive of any proposals made by the employee representatives.

"For example, it would have been a wholly realistic option to continue production at the Voikkaa paper mill or to sell it to a new owner, but in spite of this UPM has decided to close the mill."

This article was first published in English in Trade Union News in Finland.