On 17 November, trade union representatives from Finland, Germany, France and Spain met to align strategies, strengthen cross-border solidarity, and push back against UPM’s deteriorating social dialogue.

The company’s management is refusing to engage meaningfully with workers’ representatives, limiting itself to only the legal minimum in restructuring cases, and failing to produce effective outcomes in collective bargaining. They often refuse to engage in collective bargaining altogether. It is no longer possible to find negotiated solutions with the parties involved in the company, without resorting to the courts.

Trade unions argue that UPM’s conduct runs counter to its own Code of Conduct, as well as its public commitments under the EU sectoral dialogue. In particular, they point to the joint CEPI–industriAll Europe statement on the future of the sector, which underlines the importance of social dialogue, decent wages, and a negotiated transition.

Despite longstanding challenges in the European paper sector, UPM continues to report healthy profits and maintains a strong position in the market. The UPM workers’ representatives underlined their belief in the future and potential of the company, but only if management commits to openness, respect, and genuine dialogue.

The meeting concluded with a set of clear commitments: trade unions will jointly press UPM’s management to engage at all levels - local, EU and global - and to commit to genuine social dialogue.

We will work together to influence how the company navigates restructuring, ensuring that future decisions support long-term sustainability and resilience.