# Finnair Pilots’ Union Rejects Latest Conciliation Proposal
## Introduction
Finnair pilots’ ongoing labor dispute hit another roadblock on Tuesday as the national mediator’s office announced the rejection of the latest conciliation proposal by the pilots’ union, SLL.
### Key Points:
– The rejected proposal marked the third attempt to resolve the months-long dispute.
– SLL cited a lack of favorable elements for pilots in the proposal.
## SLL’s Response
SLL’s chairman, Vesa Uuspelto, expressed disappointment over the proposal, highlighting the imbalance in addressing the needs of both parties. According to Uuspelto, the proposal omitted negotiated improvements to pensions and incomes while continuing cost-saving measures for the employer’s benefit.
### Additional Concerns:
– Reduction in days off for pilots flying long-haul flights.
– Uncertainty over workplace parking arrangements throughout the contract period.
## Palta’s Perspective
Contrary to SLL’s stance, Palta, the employers’ organization, would have accepted the conciliation proposal. Palta emphasized the willingness of the employer side to compromise on most objectives during the negotiation process.
### Neuvottelujohtaja’s Statement:
– Paltan neuvottelujohtaja, Heini Wiik-Blåfield, criticized SLL’s demands as excessive and unbalanced without concessions for the employer.
## Escalation of Labor Actions
The prolonged dispute led to intensified labor actions, with SLL imposing restrictions on member activities, including adherence to published work schedules and bans on standby, off-day work, overtime, and reserve searches.
### Unprecedented Standoff:
– Palta highlighted the rarity of such a protracted conflict where multiple conciliation proposals were rejected, leading to increased labor actions.
## Background and Future Steps
Finnair pilots have been without a collective agreement since October, with the dispute between SLL and Palta undergoing mediation for several months. Finnair is set to commence negotiations on changes affecting pilots starting Wednesday.
### Potential Impact:
– Discussions on staff reductions may arise if SLL’s labor actions impact Finnair’s cooperation agreements on flights from Bangkok and Singapore to Sydney.
## SLL’s Response to Change Talks
SLL deemed Finnair’s need for change negotiations regarding Sydney flights as implausible. The union announced a temporary halt to labor actions concerning Sydney flights as a gesture of goodwill.
## Conclusion
The rejection of Finnair’s latest conciliation proposal by the pilots’ union prolongs the labor dispute, raising concerns about the impact on operations and employee welfare. As negotiations continue, both parties face challenges in finding a mutually beneficial resolution.
### FAQ:
– What led to the rejection of the conciliation proposal by SLL?
– How are Palta and SLL responding to the escalating labor actions?
– What are the potential consequences of the labor dispute on Finnair’s operations?