Solidarity Without Borders: Indonesian Trade Unions Support for Workers in Finland

Indonesian trade unions show unlimited solidarity with Finnish workers facing adverse changes to labour laws. This solidarity is a response to the ongoing assistance provided by Finnish trade unions through SASK, which has supported the growth and strengthening of trade unions in Indonesia. In the spirit of international solidarity, Indonesian trade unions are committed to providing equal support, strengthening global solidarity ties to protect workers’ rights and justice throughout the world, and emphasizing that the struggle for workers’ rights transcends geographical boundaries.

Support for workers in Finland is carried out because they are currently facing drastic changes in employment law that threaten their fundamental rights. This change erodes a number of fundamental rights that have been considered standard worker protection. One of the most controversial changes was the new arrangement of weaker working conditions, including the first day of unpaid sick leave, which directly affected workers’ well-being.

Furthermore, the proposed law makes it easier to fire by requiring only simpler “objective” reasons than before, putting the job stability of many individuals at greater risk. This has been compounded by cuts to unemployment benefits, where income-related benefits will be cut by 20% after two months of unemployment, and employees will now have to work 52 weeks to qualify for those benefits.

The right to strike is also subject to significant restrictions. Workers who support or participate in a political strike will face a fine of €200 if the strike is deemed illegal. Additionally, some other changes include the end of employment-based residence permits for foreign employees who cannot find a new job within three months, as well as the elimination of adult education benefits from August 1, 2024, and an increase in the threshold for tax deductions for travel expenses.

These changes have sparked a wave of concern and dissatisfaction among Finnish workers, who feel that the new policies will dramatically harm working conditions and workers’ rights in the country.

Therefore, representing labour unions in Indonesia, General Chair of the Java Bali Generation Workers Union (SP PJB) Agus Wibawa said that labour unions in Indonesia have a strong commitment to supporting the struggle of workers in Finland who are facing serious challenges to workers’ rights.

“So far, trade unions in Finland through SASK have provided significant assistance to trade unions in Indonesia, helping us to grow and become strong. Now, it’s time for us to return the favour by providing the same strong international solidarity support that they have consistently shown towards unions in Indonesia and Global South countries,” said Agus Wibawa.

While currently workers in Finland are facing major challenges with plans for drastic changes in labour law that could weaken their fundamental rights, this condition demands a similar response from the global community, such as Indonesia.

Trade unions in Indonesia, now stronger and more organized, feel this is the right time to return the favour. By utilizing their networks and resources, Indonesian trade unions are committed to providing international solidarity support. This step is a manifestation of deep global solidarity, where the support once provided is now an inspiration to give back to those in need.

SP PJB together with other labour unions in Indonesia have initiated several solidarity steps. “Among other things, we made solidarity posters and photos. “Several trade unions such as SP PLN, PP-IP, SP PJB, SPEE FSPMI and Serbuk have prepared solidarity posters which will be printed and used in a group photo session, where union members will take photos both individually and in groups while holding the poster,” he said.

“Another step is to make a solidarity video. “Where the trade union will make a short video expressing the solidarity of the trade union with Finnish workers in this struggle and hope that workers in Finland can achieve victory,” he continued.

Apart from that, labour unions in Indonesia also sent a letter to workers in Finland, expressing their full support for Indonesian labour unions. “This is a crucial moment to show that in the struggle for workers’ rights, there are no geographical boundaries. We are all united in solidarity,” he stressed.

This act of solidarity is clear evidence of the importance of cross-border support in fighting for rights and justice for workers around the world.

SOLIDARITY LETTERS

VIDEO, PHOTOS AND MEDIA SOCIAL

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