Kela services probably not impacted by the demonstration and political strikes scheduled for 31 January – 2 February 2024
It appears that Kela services will not be impacted by the demonstration that trade unions will hold on Thursday, 1 February 2024, and the political strike scheduled for 31 January to 2 February. While Kela taxis will not be targeted by the strike, it is a good idea to book a taxi as soon as possible.
Finnish trade unions will stage a demonstration on Thursday, 1 February 2024. Kela’s staff union has announced that it will be among the participating organisations. The trade unions will also hold a number of political strikes between 31 January and 2 February.
Based on an analysis of the current situation, Kela believes that it will be able to continue operating its customer service points and phone customer service normally.
However, wait times for customer service may be longer than usual. Kela recommends that customers who do not need urgent assistance should, where possible, use the OmaKela e-service or wait until the strikes are over to contact Kela for personal service. The demonstration and the strikes will not affect the processing of benefit applications.
The public transport strike may increase demand for taxis reimbursed by Kela. If public transport is not running normally during the strike, more customers than usual may need taxis subject to reimbursement from Kela. According to information Kela has received, the dispatch centres for taxis reimbursed by Kela will not be affected by the strike and will operate normally. Customers travelling to healthcare appointments can use Kela taxis for parts of the route where public transport is not available.
Kela continues to monitor the situation and will provide information if there are any changes.