Sappi forced to halt production

On March 4th, Finnish port stevedores commenced a strike. It is expected that 80% of inbound and outbound foreign trade will be stopped whilst the strike lasts. Sappi Fine Paper Europe’s paper mill at Kirkniemi is affected by the strike and is unable to distribute its products. As a result the company has no choice but to stop production at the mill from 3 pm today, local time, until transport can be resumed. Natural work for production departments in the mill have been evaluated to stop by 5th of March at 6.00 o’clock. Regrettably, in line with the Finnish Contracts of Employments Act, Sappi will cease salary payments 7 days after natural work stops if the stevedores strike is not resolved by then and production at the mill is able to start.