Finnish police embark on historic strike over salary dispute

March 22, 2025

Finland’s police force is gearing up for its first strike in nearly 50 years, as the Finnish Police Union (SPJL) demands higher salary increases.

The strike decision was confirmed in an internal memo, with some officers required to remain on duty to ensure public safety.

The dispute centers around the Finnish government’s offer of a 6.3% pay increase over three years, which the police union deems insufficient.

Instead, they’re pushing for a 7.8% increase over the same period. The Finance Ministry has rejected this demand, citing the country’s public finance debt.

As the SPJL prepares for industrial action, other government employee unions may follow suit.

This could include employees from the Customs Board, Defence Forces, and Border Guard, among others. In a joint statement, the unions criticized the government’s stance, saying:

“In this security situation, increases below the general level send a contradictory message about the state’s role as an employer and undermine the state’s already weak ability to compete for security professionals.”

Despite the strike, essential duties will continue to be performed by some officers, as required by Finland’s protective work regulations.

This historic strike marks the first time Finnish police officers have taken industrial action since 1976.

The Finnish government, led by Finance Minister Riikka Purra, has imposed austerity measures since taking office nearly two years ago.

In response, unions like Juko, the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL), and the Trade Union Pro have imposed bans on overtime and shift changes, affecting about 10% of state employees.