Wages for construction workers in Finland are set to rise by at least 30 cents per hour in 2018 and 2019. This arrangement was made between the Finnish Construction Trade Union and the Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries, and brings to an end a long-standing industrial dispute. The union said that the wage increase covers eight sectors and that those on the minimum wage will see an increase of 40 cents per hour. The first wage increase will take effect on June 1, with a second one set for June 2019. Heikki Korhonen, head of communications at the Finnish Construction Trade Union, emphasised the deal’s importance for low income workers. “This agreement is a gesture of solidarity with low-income employees. The increases place an emphasis on those who receive lower than average wages for the sector and those who work on the minimum wage,” said Korhonen.
