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Finnair braces for planned national strike against state austerity measures

FINISH flag carrier Finnair has warned customers that the planned one-day national union federation strike on Friday September 18 will cause delays, schedule changes and cancellation of flights.

The airline warned that the stoppage is expected to have a "wide impact on different industries, including commercial aviation".

Finland's ports are set to shut on Friday as the country's three big trade union federations protest against the government's labour reform programme.

But Finance Minister Alexander Stubb has insisted that he will press ahead with his austerity scheme cutting sick leave and bonuses among other things.

Work is expected to halt from 0800 with day-long demonstrations set to start at 1100.

The airline estimates the strike will impact flight departures at Helsinki Airport. It said the effects of the strike action will be visible both prior to the demonstration period and immediately afterwards, especially with regards to transportation services at the airport.

"We will do our utmost to serve our customers in the best possible way in this difficult situation, and thus offer them the possibility to change their flights," said the head of the operational control centre, Janne Tarvainen.

The strike is expected to impact thousands of its customers by causing flight delays, time table changes and possibly flight cancellations throughout Friday and will be felt over the weekend.