The collective agreement covering the press and publishing sector prohibits industrial action for the duration of the agreement. In a statement issued 14 September, the UJF stressed the importance of media reporting of what is happening in society, including in abnormal situations, such as the protest and industrial action. This is why work in the press and publishing sector will continue during the day of protest and industrial action.Other collective agreements negotiated by the UJF do not prevent industrial action against government policy.The UJF affiliate, the association of programme employees at the Finnish Broadcasting Company, Yle, has also recommended that its members do not take part in the day of action. The association said that members can best support the protest and strike by doing their job and ensuring an unimpeded flow of information and reporting on issues.The UJF does not approve of the cuts planned by the government or of the efforts to weaken the free collective bargaining process using new legislation. The union said that free collective bargaining is a fundamental right that Finland is obligated to promote in line with international agreements.“The government bill is unprecedented in Finnish history,” said UJF president Hanne Aho. “The situation is critical, but we still want to have faith in preserving the Finnish social contract. We will defend it using all means at our disposal.”