Welcome to a public discussion: The future of labor movement under right wing pressure in Finland and USA
What does the political shift to the right mean for organized labor? What will be the role, space, and capacity of labor unions in the future? The Kalevi Sorsa Foundation and the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL) are organizing a discussion event on these themes at the JHL central office (Sörnäisten rantatie 23) and online on Wednesday the 12th at 16.30-18.00
The government of Petteri Orpo in Finland has been exceptionally active in the labor market. It has passed several labor market and social policy reforms with very little negotiation or consultation with labor unions—a deviation from the Nordic tradition. In the United States, the Trump administration took a very different approach compared to the pro-labor policies of Joe Biden. Right-wing political actors are also gaining power in Europe.
The discussion will explore the scope for action available to the labor movement in the current political landscape in Finland and the United States
Participants in the discussion are Virginia Parks (professor, University of California, Irvine), Jarkko Eloranta (chairman, SAK), Pinja Perholehto (member of Parliament, SDP) and Ilkka Kärrylä (University Teacher of Contemporary History, University of Turku). Discussion will be moderated by Samuli Sinisalo (special advisor, JHL).
You may register through this form. Teams-link will be sent to those who have registered.
Programme:
16:30 Opening of the event, Lauri Finér, Director, Kalevi Sorsa Foundation and Mari Keturi, CEO, JHL
16:40 Current state of the labor movement in the US, Virginia Parks, professor, University of California
16:55 Current state of the labor movement in Finland, Jarkko Eloranta, president, SAK
17:05 Comments, Pinja Perholehto, Member of Parliament (Sd), and Ilkka Kärrylä, DSocSc (University of Turku)
17:15 Panel discussion
Virginia Parks (University of California)
Jarkko Eloranta (SAK)
Pinja Perholehto (Sd)
Ilkka Kärrylä (University of Turku)
17:35-18:00 Questions from the audience
The event is moderated by Samuli Sinisalo (special advisor, JHL).