The Finnish food industry is bracing for significant disruption as the SEL strike, originally scheduled for late March 2025, has been postponed to April. The minister of labor has rescheduled the industrial action to take place from April 8-10, 2025, affecting nearly 4,000 employees across 13 food industry workplaces nationwide. This postponement impacts major food manufacturers throughout Finland and will cover all shifts starting from midnight on April 8 through 23:59 on April 10, 2025. The strike represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between the Finnish Food Workers’ Union (SEL) and the Finnish Food Industries Federation (ETL) over collective agreement negotiations.
Major Food Producers Caught in Labor Dispute
The upcoming strike will affect several key players in Finland’s food industry. HKFoods Finland facilities in Forssa, Mikkeli, and Vantaa are among the locations where workers will walk out. The company, known for its meat products, faces potential production slowdowns across multiple sites. Similarly, Atria will see actions at its Forssa facility and at the Nurmo location, though the poultry factory at Nurmo is notably excluded from the strike.
Finnish bakery costs have increased in recent years, and now production challenges loom as Saarioinen facilities in Huittinen, Valkeakoski, and Sahalahti prepare for the work stoppage. The central dispatch center and Delitalo in Valkeakoski will also participate in the industrial action. Additional companies affected include Apetit Ruoka in Säkylä, Pouttu in Kannus, and Snellmanin Kokkikartano in Kerava.
This widespread participation highlights the serious nature of the dispute between labor and management. With nearly 4,000 workers across all these locations preparing to strike, the potential impact on food supply chains cannot be overlooked. Many of these companies have been scrambling to adjust production schedules and inventory levels ahead of the anticipated disruption.
Behind the Picket Lines: Understanding the Strike’s Causes
The core issue driving this labor action is the breakdown in negotiations between SEL and ETL regarding new collective agreements. These agreements typically cover wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment terms. The inability to reach consensus has pushed the union to call for industrial action as a means to apply pressure on employers.
SEL has been vocal in its call to action, stating: “We need every worker to join! This is about your salary and other terms of employment!” This rallying cry emphasizes the personal stake workers have in the outcome of these negotiations. For union members who participate, SEL has promised strike pay of €100 per day, providing some financial cushion during the work stoppage.
It’s important to note that this is legally protected industrial action, meaning participating employees cannot face sanctions from their employers. The strike covers all work falling under the SEL-ETL collective agreement, casting a wide net across the food production industry. Finnish bakery strikes impact not just workers and companies but also consumers who rely on consistent food supplies.
Labor relations in Finland’s food sector have been increasingly strained in recent months. Workers have expressed frustration with what they perceive as inadequate wages amid rising living costs. Meanwhile, employers point to competitive pressures and increasing raw material prices as limiting factors in what they can offer.
A Season of Food Industry Labor Unrest
The April strike represents just one part of broader industrial action affecting Finland’s food sector. Prior to this, 150 bakeries faced a strike from March 11-16, 2025, disrupting bread and pastry production nationwide. The bakery strike has already caused some supply shortages in stores across the country.
Additionally, three major breweries will experience a strike from March 23-28, 2025. Nearly 1,000 workers at Hartwall, Olvi, and Sinebrychoff will participate, potentially affecting beer, cider, and soft drink availability. These breweries supply a significant portion of Finland’s beverage market, making this strike particularly concerning for retailers and consumers alike.
Further complicating matters, the food industry has been operating under a ban on overtime and shift changes since February 7, 2025 – a restriction set to continue until April 6, 2025. This ongoing work-to-rule action has already reduced flexibility in production scheduling and limited companies’ ability to respond to demand fluctuations.
Bakery industry costs rising have created additional pressure on both employers and workers. SEL Chair Veli-Matti Kuntonen acknowledged the potential consequences, stating: “The strike will undoubtedly have an impact, but it is difficult to predict how well companies have prepared in advance.” This uncertainty has food retailers concerned about their ability to maintain normal stock levels.
Brewery Strikes: A Thirst for Resolution
The brewery strike scheduled for late March deserves special attention due to its timing. Coming just before the food industry walkout, it creates a potential one-two punch for Finnish consumers. Major producers Hartwall, Olvi, and Sinebrychoff have taken preemptive measures by increasing production and building inventory reserves ahead of the strike.
Despite these preparations, industry analysts predict possible shortages if the strike extends for several days. Space constraints in supermarkets compound the problem, as most retail locations lack sufficient storage capacity for extended periods. Most stores operate with just-in-time inventory systems for beverages, particularly for bulky items like bottled water and beer.
Egg prices impact bakery costs and other food products, creating a complex economic environment for negotiations. Petri Miettinen, manager of K-Supermarket Tripla in Helsinki, explained the retail perspective: “We usually receive deliveries from the major breweries three times a week. One load is meant to cover only a few days. What runs out depends on the shop. In some places, it might be water. In others, beer.”
Consumers have already begun adjusting their shopping habits in anticipation of potential shortages. Some are stocking up on essential beverages, while others are exploring alternative brands, including imports and craft producers not affected by the strike. Small local breweries may actually benefit temporarily from the industrial action as consumers seek alternatives to mainstream brands.
Supply Chain Ripple Effects and Consumer Impact
The postponed SEL strike will create cascading effects throughout food supply chains. While the strike itself lasts only three days, the disruption will extend both before and after those dates. Production schedules will need adjustment, delivery routes may require replanning, and retailers must manage inventory gaps. Submit your dessert recipe that uses shelf-stable ingredients for those looking to prepare for potential food shortages.
For consumers, the most visible impact will likely be sporadic product shortages in various food categories. Fresh meat products from HKFoods and Atria may become limited, while ready-meals from Saarioinen and Snellmanin Kokkikartano could disappear from shelves temporarily. Rising egg prices food industry challenges have already strained consumers, and these strikes may further complicate food availability.
Food service operations, including restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens, will also feel the pinch. Many rely on regular deliveries from the affected companies and may need to modify menus or find alternative suppliers. School lunches, workplace cafeterias, and hospital food services all depend on consistent deliveries from major food producers.
The minister of labor’s decision to postpone the strike has given both sides additional time to potentially reach an agreement, though negotiations remain challenging. Churro-themed merchandise might offer a sweet distraction during these uncertain times. The coming weeks will determine whether compromise is possible or if Finnish consumers will indeed face the full impact of these coordinated industrial actions across the food sector.
For businesses in the food and restaurant industry, preparing alternative supply arrangements is crucial. Submit a favorite local dessert shop that might provide alternatives during potential shortages. The postponement provides a small window of opportunity for contingency planning, but the fundamental issues driving the labor dispute remain unresolved. Both the union and employer federation continue discussions, though neither side has reported significant progress toward resolving their differences.