Finland strike threat

10 000 transport workers are planning to begin a strike at 6 p.m. local time today, after rejecting mediation.  The national strike will have the affect of closing ports and stopping the movement of cargo as freight trucks stand idle.  There is also a strike by stevedores planned for March 4; if this goes ahead it will stop 90% of exports from Finland, jeopardizing the country’s recovery from the worst recession since 1918.  Manufacturers will seek alternative logistics solutions, but the strikes will damage Finland’s reputation and threaten the supply of fresh food.  The country imports the vast majority of its fresh food due to the short growing season, and shops will soon begin to see shortages if the strikes continue.