When you start at a new workplace, remember these matters

1 Enter into a written employment contract

Do not sign the contract if you do not understand it, but ask for advice.

2 You are entitled to receive an introduction or guidance on work tasks and rules at the workplace

In the introduction, your tasks are explained to you and you are taught how to perform them in your new workplace as well and as rationally as possible.

3 Ask your employer which collective labour agreement is used at your workplace

You can get the collective labour agreement of your own sector from the workplace, the trade union or Finlex’s online service. If your employer is not obligated to abide by a collective agreement, it must still comply with the law. The law stipulates the general rights and obligations of employees.

4 Try to negotiate a minimum number of hours in your employment contract

The employer can offer you a zero-hour contract, which means that your employment contract only promises you 0-20 hours of work per week, for example. If you do not get working hours, you will not get a salary, either. For example, if 15 hours a week is entered as the minimum number of hours, you must be paid a salary for at least 15 hours.

5 Whenever you receive a salary, you must receive a payslip

Always check that your salary has been paid correctly.

6 Keep work shift lists

If you work according to a work shift list, always take a photograph of the lists, for example. Then you will know how much you have worked and when, that is, how much salary you should get.

7 When your employment relationship and employment contract end, check that you receive holiday compensation

If you have not used all your holidays during your employment relationship, a holiday compensation must be paid to you. You can see the amount of holiday compensation in your payslip.

8 When your employment relationship ends, always ask the employer for an employment certificate

When applying for a new job, you can show the certificates in the job interview.

9 Get to know the shop steward and the safety representative at your workplace

The shop steward and the safety representative discuss matters with the employer on behalf of all employees. The shop steward can help if you have problems with your employer.

10 Join a trade union

A trade union is an association whose members are employees in the same sector. The trade union agrees on the conditions of employment with the employers. Ask the shop steward of your workplace or SAK employee rights hotline about the trade union and joining it.