Join a trade union
A trade union stands up for you at work. The union can also help you with any questions or problems you may have regarding your employment relationship.
7 reasons to belong to a trade union
When you start work, join a trade union. In Finland, the majority of employees belong to the trade union of their sector. You can also join a trade union while you’re still studying.
The trade union is on your side
A trade union negotiates on your behalf on pay and other terms of employment with the employers’ association. This results in a collective agreement that gives you better terms of employment than those stipulated by law.
A shop steward will advise and help you in the workplace
The shop steward or union representative represents the trade union and ensures that your employer complies with the collective agreement. If you have problems with your employer, you can always talk to a shop steward who can take up the matter with the employer on your behalf.
The trade union’s employment counselling will help you if you have problems with your employer
You can call your trade union and ask for advice. If required, trade union lawyers can help you resolve any disputes with your employer, even in court.
Trade unions protect workers’ interests when laws are being made
Thanks to trade unions, the working week in Finland is 5 days, the working day is no more than 8 hours, and employees are entitled to rights such as holidays, overtime pay and family leave.
Trade unions provide training, events and a community
You can find information about the training and events provided by trade unions, for example, on the web pages or social media channels of your trade union.
You get benefits and discounts
Members of trade unions may receive discounts in, for example, petrol, insurances or hotel prices. Some trade unions offer, for example, cheap holiday cottages.
Your unemployment benefit improves if you also join an unemployment fund
When you join a trade union, you can also join the unemployment fund of your sector. If you become unemployed, the unemployment fund can pay you an earnings-related unemployment benefit. It’s usually higher than the basic unemployment allowance paid by Kela. If you only belong to an unemployment fund, but not a trade union, you can receive unemployment benefits, but the fund won’t help you with any problems at your workplace.
How to join the trade union
If you don’t know which trade union is yours:
- ask your workplace shop steward or union representative
- call SAK’s service number at 0800 179 279
- find your profession on your union’s website, www.liitot.fi.
Once you’ve found your union, fill out the membership form on the union’s website. You can find links to membership forms at www.liitot.fi.
If you need help, your workplace shop steward or union representative can help.
Members of a trade union pay a membership fee to the union. The membership fee is usually 1–1.6 per cent of the total taxable wages paid to you by your employer. You can pay the membership fees yourself or ask your employer to pay them from your wages, which is called a payroll deduction. Your membership fee gives you access to the services of the union and its representatives.
Trade union membership is also a way to have a tangible impact on things. When trade unions have many young members, they have a stronger voice in shaping employment agreements and working conditions.
Local union branches and staff associations
When you’re a member of a trade union, you usually belong to one of its local branches or staff associations. Local branches or staff associations bring together all members of the same trade union working in the workplace or the company. There are also local union branches and staff associations that include all the members in the same sector or region, in which case employees from several different workplaces may belong to them.