Finnair offers free rebooking amid Helsinki Airport strike disruptions

Passengers can reschedule their flights to an earlier date or postpone them until the end of August. Those opting not to travel can cancel their booking and request a refund for the unused portion of their ticket.

The strikes stem from a dispute between the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and employer organization Palta over wages and working conditions. Negotiations have stalled since January, with the union rejecting a proposal from the national mediator. The IAU argues that wage growth in aviation has lagged behind other industries following missed increases in 2021 and 2022. Finnair Group employees saw average earnings rise by 6.4% between 2020 and 2023, compared to a national average increase of 10.4%.

The union seeks salary adjustments reflecting wider market trends and recovery from pandemic-related economic challenges. Palta claims most employee groups accepted the mediator's proposal while IAU continues pushing for higher raises.

According to EU Today, part of the dispute involves Finnair's decision to outsource baggage handling and in-flight catering services, which the union claims jeopardizes jobs and weakens labor protections. The airline maintains that outsourcing aligns with its long-term strategy for financial stability.

In recent weeks, Finnair has faced disruptions due to ongoing strike action by IAU, leading to numerous flight cancellations since early May. On June 4 alone, around 110 flights were canceled affecting approximately 11,000 passengers.

Due to current operational challenges, Finnair suspended its in-flight sales service and reduced catering on domestic and short-haul European flights from June 2-5. These temporary changes aim to manage staffing shortages during affected periods with further service adjustments possible depending on upcoming strike scales.

Under European regulation EC 261/2004, customers impacted by long delays must be rebooked promptly with provisions for meals/accommodation if necessary; alternatively full refunds may be requested instead of rebooking when facing cancellations/delays exceeding three hours duration—passengers encouraged checking updates via SMS/email/website regularly throughout this period too remain informed accordingly regarding developments affecting travel plans overall moving forward ahead time-wise thusly likewise additionally indeed henceforth etcetera so forth forthwith et cetera ad infinitum ad nauseam...