Business
What You Need to Know About Trade Unions In Finland
Why you should consider becoming a part of a trade union
Trade unions are an amazing way to feel supported as an employee. They are used widely around the world and particularly in the Finnish workforce to help educate employees on their rights and advocate on their behalf where necessary.
With over 90 trade unions in Finland and a whopping 3 out of 4 employees belong to a trade union, according to the Tehty website.
Although it is voluntary, government organizations recommend employees in Finland take advantage of the benefits that the trade union has to offer.
What Is A Trade Union?
A trade union is an organization that consists of employees that belong to the same trade or work in the same industry.
It was created to create a safe space for them to connect, engage and keep updated on the latest changes regarding their industry.
More importantly, its main objective is to educate and empower employees on their rights.
Almost 75% of Finns are members of a trade union; a high figure by international standards. The International Labour organization (ILO) has ranked Finnish unions as amongst the most effective in the world.
— An excerpt taken from Expat-Finland.com
Benefits Of A Trade Union Membership
For a small fee of about 10€ per month or equalling 1–2% of the employee’s salary, employees are able to purchase a membership with a trade union that ensures:
- Up-to-date training, workshops, and leisure activities for members
- Support during periods of conflict at work.
- Advice during work negotiations.
- Discounts for restaurants and other partner organizations
- Legal help
- Unemployment fund if they lose a job.
TES:
TES is a labor market partner agreement, also known as a collective agreement.
It provides information on agreements about pay rises, working hours, leaves, holiday bonuses, employee representation, and communication.
Below is a video to help you know more about trade unions and how they work to help employees and the economy.
