May 03, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. The Finnish forestry industry said Monday it will close its doors to 24,000 forestry and electrical workers for two weeks beginning May 18 unless an agreement is reached in stalled contract talks. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation, responding to a fresh union strike threat, said the lockout was to speed an agreement after weeks of labor conflict that has hobbled the industry. "We are serious about wanting to save the competitiveness and jobs of the Finnish paper industry, as well as secure future investment in the Finnish mills," Arto Taehtinen, head of the group's labor market policy, said in a statement. "The quicker the terms of employment can be agreed, the more both employers and employees will benefit." The Finnish Papers Workers Union on Friday threatened a two-day work stoppage for May 16-17 unless agreement is reached on wages and seasonal working periods. A series of strikes this spring escalated to a national walkout last week lasting almost four days. The stoppages have caused production losses totaling about 300,000 metric tons, or about five days of national output, according to the industry group. The losses amount to about Euro 40 million a day. The industry federation said that, so far, companies have still been able to supply their customers' requirements.