May 17, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Finnish paper companies continue the lockout starting on 18th May with another two weeks. They want to make sure that an overtime ban and illegal strikes by the Finnish Paperworkers’ Union will not cause continuous shutdowns of the pulp and paper machines again after two weeks lockout. The mills will be closed until 15th June if the parties have not concluded a competitive collective labour agreement before that. "The employers have no choice. The only possibility is to keep the mills shut. The overtime ban and illegal strikes by the Finnish Paperworkers’ Union cause situations which are not under control and thus increase risks of environmental damages and broken machines. In addition, it is difficult to maintain the quality of paper because of the shutdowns",says Mr. Timo Poranen, President, Finnish Forest Industries Federation. To shutdown and start up a paper machine takes about 1-4 shifts (8-24 hours) depending on paper grade and length of the stoppage. After a start up it lasts often hours before the quality of paper is good enough and can be delivered to the customer. The papermaking process is very vulnerable and cannot tolerate any changes. For example it is utmost important for a function of a biological treatment plant to get a constant flow of water. The lockout is equal both to the employers and employees because it stops both incomes of the mills and salaries of the employees whereas an overtime ban and illegal strikes stop mills but the employees are paid. "Both parties are responsible for reaching a solution. The forest industry wants as soon as possible to go on negotiating a collective agreement which supports competitiveness of the paper industry" says Poranen. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation wants to remove compulsory stoppages at Christmas and Midsummer as well as limitations of using subcontracting because they increase the competitiveness and possibilities to operate in Finland. "We want only equal possibilities to operate compared to paper industries in other countries", reminds Poranen.