Trade unions are involved in changing working life in a positive direction and developing society in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The trade union movement exerts influence wherever decisions concerning our members’ wellbeing and quality of life are made. We safeguard our members’ interests in negotiating agreements between trade unions and employers’ organisations, by having an impact on decision-making in society and by participating in the development of legislation.
STTK is a progressive and politically diverse organisation that actively cooperates with various players in society. We seek to affect changes in working life through cooperation, discussing different options and suggesting new initiatives.
The operations of the trade union movement are based on the principles of representative democracy. Each participant in the decision-making process of a trade union or its member association is authorised by the members. Correspondingly, each operator participating in the central organisation’s decision-making is authorised by the members of their respective union. The trade union movement’s opportunities to negotiate and have an impact are tied to its members.
The operations of the trade union movement are based on the principles of representative democracy. Each operator participating in the central organisation’s decision-making is authorised by the members of their respective union.
Membership
Changes in working life and society prove that trade unions and their impact are needed in safeguarding employees’ interests. Trade union membership provides security and a sense of community in the changing world of work. As a member, you can always turn to your union if you have problems in working life. You have access to highly effective legal services, as well as elected representatives in the workplace. Unions also provide their members with help and guidance during various transitions in working life, in job search, in the event of layoffs and unemployment, in connection with family leave, and in training intended to update competence. A wealth of knowledge is just a phone call or email away.
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The employees’ representative
The employees’ representative is a person elected by the employees from among themselves. The employees’ representative serves as a shop steward, elected representative, occupational health and safety representative, European Works Council representative or their deputy in the workplace. Employees’ representatives can also serve in several roles at the same time.
Employees’ representatives provide advice and support and negotiate on matters related to pay, working hours, job continuity, occupational health and safety, and job security. They are also involved in the broad-based development of workplace communities with the management. They must be provided with sufficient time and appropriate tools for this work. Employees’ representatives also need information, expertise, partners, interaction and new ideas. With local agreements increasing, the role of an employees’ representative is highly significant. However, their role is currently not strong enough in terms of genuine progress in local agreements.
Collaboration
The best results in workplace development are achieved through cooperation between the employees and the management. Good cooperation and strong trust presuppose that employees’ representatives are provided with sufficient information. Employee representatives’ right of access to information, equal initiative and opportunities for influence must be improved during changes and in other areas of cooperation.