​Trade Union Pro and the Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff (YTN) gave strike notice of implementing industrial action in the financial sector between 23–30 November 2011. Due to the strike notice, the Federation of Finnish Financial Services announced today that it will declare a lock-out in financial companies on 25 November if the negotiations still remain unresolved.

In case of disturbance of industrial peace, banks’ branch services will not be available as most branches will have to be closed. The availability of electronic services varies from bank to bank and there may be delays or disruptions at some point.

If it becomes necessary for some service providers to shut down their information systems, customers will be notified of the consequences on the service provider’s website.

Banks and finance houses seek to make sure that both personal and business customers have access to the most vital banking services, such as card payments and withdrawal of cash from ATMs.

Functionality of services may vary in individual banks and finance houses, and failures may be fixed with slight delays. Each service provider informs its customers of any changes in its services.

Cash
Cash is available from cash ATMs, but failures in individual ATMs may occur. Most bank branches are closed.

Online banking services
Availability of online banking services varies from bank to bank.  Banks make efforts to ensure that all payment instructions that are fed into the system in advance are executed at the due date, if there are sufficient funds in the customer’s account.

Card payments at points-of-sale
Cards can generally be used for paying for shopping, but payments may be affected in case of failure in the verification of sufficient funds.

Transmission of salaries and pensions
Salaries, pensions, and social security benefits transferred to the bank in advance are executed when due as far as possible.

For additional information, contact the Federation of Finnish Financial Services:
Mika Linna, Senior Adviser, +358 20 793 4269 (preparedness of the financial sector)
Inkeri Tolvanen, Senior Adviser, +358 20 793 4254 (payment systems)
Minna Aila, Head of Communications, +358 20 793 4270
Kristiina Siikala, Communications Manager, +358 20 793 4273