Lauri Ihalainen: Co-operation between the trade unions in the Nordic countries and Russia should be enhanced

The Executive Board of the Council of Nordic Trade Unions NFS met in Helsinki on 2 December 2002. In his speech, SAK President Lauri Ihalainen noted that Russia has largely remained outside of the progress made by Poland and the Baltic countries towards the enlarging EU. According to Ihalainen, this has increased insecurity and perpetuated inequality in a manner undermining the prospects for economic and social development throughout Northern Europe.

"The regions of Northwest Russia need new economic and social co-operation projects to avoid being left behind neighbouring regions of Europe as they accelerate their progress towards EU enlargement. The EU's Northern Dimension project, initiated by Finland, includes elements that foster conditions for development and co-operation in and between Russia and the other Baltic Sea countries," Ihalainen said.

Lauri Ihalainen made a proposal on enhancing co-operation between the trade unions in the Nordic countries and Russia:

"The progress made in integrating the Baltic Sea region increases the need to protect the interests of wage and salary earners amidst these changing conditions. One natural and important step to take in this area is to enhance co-operation between the Council of Nordic Trade Unions and the Russian trade union confederation FNPR. Co-operation could be promoted on several fronts to establish a partnership."

You can read the whole speech by Lauri Ihalainen on Trade Union News from Finland.