Agreement reached on labour dispute in commerce sector – Negotiation result approved by the Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM
Terms of employment and salaries of employees and supervisors in the commerce sector have now been agreed for a three-year period. The agreement period and pay agreement are in accordance with the so-called general policy. The salary increases will be 7.8 per cent over three years. The new collective agreements are valid until 31 January 2028.
Negotiations on the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector have been held since 8 January, and labour disputes have been negotiated under the direction of National Conciliator Anu Sajavaaran since 3 February.
On Tuesday 4 March, the Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM reached a negotiation result at the National Conciliator’s Office. Today, the Board of the Finnish Commerce Federation unanimously approved the negotiation result.
The administrations of the unions have approved the negotiation result and the prohibition on overtime, shift changes and temporary transfers in the commerce sector will end. The strikes threatening the specialty goods trade and technical trade are also cancelled.
“The result of the negotiations includes revisions to the collective agreement that are important for both parties. The wage increase was high for several shops in the current situation, but the overall solution was acceptable,” says Anna Lavikkala, Labour Market Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
“The scope of company-specific salary formation will be expanded during this round. This is an important step towards competency and performance-based remuneration. A similar first step was taken towards a new apprenticeship model,” Lavikkala says.
The negotiation result includes the reform of the salespeople’s pay system, which will enter into force on 1 October 2026. The outcome of the negotiations also includes important and much-needed changes to the working hours of the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector.
“The reform of the salespeople’s pay system has been prepared between the unions for years. Getting such a major reform to the finish line is a positive step and reflects successful cooperation. In addition, we received much-needed flexible working hours that better respond to the changed 24/7 operating environment of the commerce sector. This collective agreement solution is yet another step towards future trade,” Lavikkala emphasises.
The more detailed contents of the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector will be published as soon as possible.
Further information:
Labour Market Director Anna Lavikkala, the Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 (0)400 406 088, anna.lavikkala(at)kauppa.fi
