Strike breaking in Finland

The port of Kotka in Finland saw scenes of disruption today as the port operator called in non-union workers to shift the backlog of 1000 shipping containers which have built up since the beginning of the stevedores’ strike.  Now in its third week, the strike has cost the Nordic country 90% of its foreign sales – it is estimated that 1.54 bn Euros’ worth of exports have been lost.  A zinc refiner is being closed from today as the strike is blocking imports of copper concentrate.  Retailers are anticipating a shortage of consumer goods and all imports of wine have been shut off.  Some retail chains are importing freight by truck via Europe.