May 30, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. A shutdown of Finland's paper industry, costing the country hundreds of millions of euros, entered its third week as labor talks resumed Monday between unions and employers. A lockout, imposed by employers in the forest industry on May 18, has closed mills nationwide, including at some of the world's largest paper makers, Stora Enso Oyj and UPM-Kymmene Corp. The last round of talks broke off on May 25 after only a few hours. The lockout was preceded by weeks of union protests and wildcat strikes that have raised fears they could spread to other industries. Worried about possible paper shortages, shoppers also have reportedly been hoarding tissue and toilet paper. Smaller food industries said Monday they will run out of packaging supplies in a few days, and seasonal berry suppliers have warned that farms could lose up to 80% of sales this summer because of a shortage in packaging materials. National Conciliator Juhani Salonius, who is mediating the dispute, has said he doesn't expect a quick solution because the two sides are too far apart. His office said that after a meeting lasting several hours Monday, they decided to continue on Tuesday. No details of the negotiations were revealed but the paper industry has previously demanded to keep plants running during Christmas and midsummer, saying it is the only industry in the country to shut down for those holidays. It also wants to limit paid sick leave. The 50,000-member Finnish Paper Workers' Union has said it will not yield any acquired benefits and has countered with a strike for its members not already affected by the lockout that was to continue until June 16. The forest industry accounts for 8% of gross domestic product and about a third of all Finnish exports. The country's paper production amounts to 15% of the world's total. In total, some 200,000 workers are directly or indirectly employed by the industry.