18 February 2022

BPIF Labels - Latest update on strike action

BPIF Labels have been working hard behind the scenes regarding updates on the strike action in Finland - currently causing critical shortages of Label stocks across the UK and Europe.

The sector is acutely aware that the strike action, even if lifted, will take weeks before material supplies flow again, and many months until normal supplies stabilise.

With the strike action being a local dispute Internationally, there are limits as to what can be achieved. Below is a list of the actions taken to date:

Graham Backhouse of BPIF Labels has been working with FINAT (the European association for the self-adhesive and narrow web industry and the national label associations active in 15 countries around Europe) and counter-signed the letter sent to UPM. 

BPIF also counter-signed a letter sent to UPM from Intergraf (the European print trade body).

The strikes and material shortages have been picked up by Printweek with comments from Charles Jarrold, BPIF CEO.

BPIF have also raised this within various packaging federation who have spoken to DEFRA to highlight the risk to the food supply chain.

The matter has now hit the mainstream press with articles and interviews with the Financial Times and The Telegraph.

Charles Jarrold was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on 17th February (access the interview via BBC Sounds and scroll to 5.30am),

Plus an interview on the same subject on Radio 4 captured here.

Charles Jarrold, Carys Davis (BPIF Public Affairs Adviser) and Darren Shepherd (BPIF Regional Director) have spoken at length to our direct contact within BEIS (the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) on Thursday 10th and highlighted the risk to the supply chain.

At this stage the advice to all Members affected is to manage material stocks carefully, prioritise work and offer reduced run lengths where possible or viable.

For advice on managing staff during the crisis please speak to your BPIF HR adviser who will be able to support you as required.