Strike threat from Finnish Transport Workers' Union

Negotiations for collective agreements are currently ongoing between employers'
representatives and the Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT). During these
negotiations a strike warning has been issued by stevedores as well as truck
drivers and bus drivers. 

A port strike could begin on February 19 if industrial disputes are not settled
before then. The strike would effectively stop container and bulk freight
exports and imports. There have already been local strikes at certain Finnish
seaports. 

Truck driver strike coup stop or decrease traffic on February 21 onwards. The
union has additionally issued a ban on overtime work. 

Compounding these problems are the additional challenges that harsh winter
conditions already pose for marine cargo. 

Metsä Tissue has been preparing carefully for the eventuality of a strike.
Since November, the company has been shipping a large volume of export goods to
warehouses outside Finland. 

An extra reserve of raw materials is in storage at the company's Mänttä mill in
Finland to improve our capabilities to continue production should the strike
eventuate. 
Potential back-up production capacity within the company has been identified
and will be activated if needed. 

Alternative modes of transport have been considered and a major proportion of
sea freight have been transferred to road transport and to ferries. 

Should a strike occur, we anticipate that it will not have a major impact on
our customer deliveries outside Finland. We do, however, anticipate a certain
degree of disruption to domestic deliveries, which is highly regrettable.
Naturally, the extent of the consequences will depend on the length of the
strike. 

Metsä Tissue is monitoring the situation closely and will keep key stakeholders
informed. Customers are requested to direct their enquiries to their own sales
contacts. 

The threat of industrial action, wildcat strikes and any resultant disruption
is highly unfortunate, and Metsä Tissue will do its utmost to minimise any
inconvenience. 

For customer enquiries:
Please contact your personal sales contact at Metsä Tissue.

For general strike related questions:

Juhana Kalpio, SVP, Supply Chain
Tel: +358 1046 54184
E-mail: juhana.kalpio@metsatissue.com

Marko Reunanen, VP Supply Chain, Northern Eastern Europe
Tel: +358 1046 47203
E-mail: marko.reunanen@metsatissue.com