HELSINKI- Finnair (AY) has secured a tentative labour agreement with its pilot union following extensive negotiations that began in August 2024.
The Finnish airline announced the breakthrough on June 8, 2025, marking the end of a prolonged dispute that had affected operations and employee relations for nearly 10 months.
Photo: Finnair aeroplane taxiing in Munich Airport | Professional… | FlickrFinnair and the Pilot Union
The collective labour discussions commenced in August 2024 when Finnair (AY) and the pilot union SLL (Finnish Airline Pilots’ Association) entered formal negotiations.
The talks continued through the winter months and into spring 2025, with both parties working to resolve significant disagreements over operational and employment matters.
The negotiations experienced several challenging phases throughout the ten months.
Pilot union SLL initiated industrial action measures during the dispute, implementing overtime bans and restrictions on reserve recruitment that impacted the airline’s operational flexibility. These measures remained in effect for several months as the two sides struggled to find common ground.
Photo: FinnairIndustrial Action Suspension
A crucial turning point occurred in May 2025 when SLL suspended its industrial action measures.
The union made this strategic decision to provide space for renewed negotiations following a proposal from Palta, the service sector employers’ association representing Finnair (AY) in the talks.
SLL chair Vesa Uuspelto explained that the union had been conducting mutual negotiations for several weeks leading up to the breakthrough. The suspension of industrial action created the necessary environment for productive discussions between the parties.
The tentative agreement establishes a three-year framework with an optional fourth year. Finnair Chief People Officer Kaisa Aalto-Luoto characterised the accord as a foundation for future collaboration between management and pilots.
The agreement now requires formal approval from administrators representing both Finnair (AY) and the pilot union before implementation.
Photo: Clément AlloingCore Issues
The extended negotiations centred on several contentious issues that had created friction between Finnair (AY) and its pilots.
Pilot recruitment policies emerged as a significant point of disagreement, with both sides holding different positions on hiring practices and career progression pathways.
The operation of Airbus A330 aircraft wet-leased to Qantas (QF) also became a major sticking point during negotiations. This arrangement involved complex questions about crew assignments, operational responsibilities, and the terms under which Finnair pilots would operate these aircraft for the Australian carrier.
Photo: By lasta29 – Finnair, A330-300, OH-LTO, CC BY 2.0 | Wikimedia CommonsFuture Implications
Uuspelto confirmed that negotiators had identified a solution acceptable to both parties after weeks of intensive discussions.
The agreement represents a compromise that addresses the primary concerns raised by both Finnair (AY) management and pilots throughout the prolonged negotiation process.
The tentative agreement awaits final administrative approval from both parties before taking effect. Once implemented, the accord will govern labour relations between Finnair (AY) and its pilots for the next three to four years, depending on whether the optional final year is exercised.
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The post Finnair Pilot Union Secures New Agreement After 10 Months of Negotiations appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
