We are demanding for a better working life – Walkout on February 6th

Game Makers of Finland supports Akava's goals and is participating the walkout organized by Akava on February 6 at 14:00-16:00. The Union of Professional Engineers sent a press release on the same topic on Monday, January 22 where the mentioned matters also apply to us as a member of the Union of Professional Engineers.

The instructions are being worked on and many details will be clarified closer to the date. You should read the announcements of the Union of Professional Engineers and Akava so that you stay up-to-date on the arrangements. We are focusing on possible details that only apply to companies in game industry.

Walkout gathering in Helsinki 6.2. 14:00-17:00

We invite everyone who is working in the game industry, to participate the walkout. It's a political protest that is a constitutionally protected measure aimed for influencing societal decision-making. Through political industrial action, Akava (and we) are expressing our opposition to some of the Government’s working-life measures.

Schedule
14:00 Walkout officially starts, gathering at Kolmen sepän patsas, in the crossroad of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie
14:45 Walking together to Kulttuurikasarmi, Henry´s Music Bar (upstairs), Narinkka 2 (Kamppi)
15:00 Private event space
Mingling, speeches, drinks and snacks
17:00 Private event ends

You can also come straight to Kulttuurikasarmi, if you are unable to join us in the Kolmen sepän patsas. 

And, just to make sure that we will have enough refreshment, you can SIGN UP HERE. But don’t worry if you won´t do it, as everyone is welcomed. There is room for at least 120 people.

Read Akava´s collection of frequently asked questions in English and in Finnish.

What is walkout?

It is not a strike. It is an industrial action decided upon by a union, where a walkout is a short-term exit from the workplace. Political expression and protest is a basic right for everyone, but everyone decides on their own participation.

What is changing? Why the walkouts?

1. - A foreign employee’s employment-based residence permit expires and he or she or they must ­­­­leave Finland if unable to find a new job within three months of the end of the expiration (now no detailed regulations on the duration of unemployment).
2. - First day of sick leave to be unpaid.
3. - Dismissals on personal grounds to be made easier: in future, an “objective” reason will suffice.
4. - The Co-operation Act will only be observed in companies of over 50 employees (now 20).
5. - No particular grounds will be required for a fixed-term contract of 12 months.
6. - Earnings-related unemployment benefit will be cut by 20 % after just two months of unemployment.
7. - Employees will now need to have been worked for 52 weeks to be eligible for earnings-related unemployment benefit (now 26 weeks).
8. - The qualifying period for unemployment security will be extended to 7 days (was 5 days).
9. - Adult education support will be abolished from August 1st, 2024.
10. - Agreements to be allowed at individual workplaces which are weaker than legislation, without a shop steward being involved.

If you are a member and want to join walkout related events organised by Akava, you can sign up for Helsinki, Tampere or Turku. Game Makers of Finland will be present the Helsinki event.

If you are not a member yet, you can join us here.