Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT has responded to the wide-ranging criticism it has been getting in the aftermath of the dismissal of communications chief Hilkka Ahde this week. Ahde has accused the union Chairman Timo Räty of hazing and filed the matter to a regional administration agency last summer. The agency forwarded the matter to police for investigation in autumn. Räty was subsequently elected for another term in another tight election.
In what appears like another public relations nightmare, the deputy Chairman Veijo Ruonala told in the release that the union does not wish to give more details about the matter implying that such information would ruin the reputation and future employment possibilities of the dismissed. He said that Ahde has cause widespread damage to the union. The official line is still lack of trust.
There has been hearsay that a local celebrity had heard Ahde criticizing Räty and had revealed that matter onward at a taxi stand. This person denied recalling such details. The union says that the police investigation had no bearing on the dismissal. Even if it did, this would have happened too late. AKT’s public reputation was already in tatters as it has been hawkishly using sympathy strikes to assist other unions to gain further concessions from employers on top of its own bi-annual strikes. These strikes have caused major harm to ordinary people.
Mr. Ruonala initiated the proceedings to motion for the dismissal of Ahde. In the Board meeting the decision was tight with several members voting against the motion but it was passed with 11 votes to 9. Ahde says she will challenge her dismissal in court. Several experts as well as Employment Minister Lauri Ihalainen and Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions Chairman Lauri Lyly have comdemned the actions, with many experts saying this may well be a case of unfair dismissal. The AKT website still lists Mrs. Ahde as the communications contact.
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