Labor Market Central Organizations
Employee central organizations represent workers’ interests and consist of multiple trade unions. In Finland, there are three employee central organizations: STTK, SAK, and Akava. These organizations represent their member unions and advocate for their interests by influencing labor legislation, agreements, and societal decision-making. STTK also promotes employees’ interests internationally.
Employer central organizations include the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), Local Government and Wellbeing Services Employers (KT), the State Employer’s Office (VTML), and the Church Employer’s Office (KiT).
In addition to influencing working life, labor market organizations also participate in developing social security. Beyond labor legislation and agreements, they negotiate pension agreements and take part in tripartite preparation of pension legislation.
Trade Unions
The role of trade unions is to safeguard employees’ rights and interests within their respective sectors. In case of problems, employees can seek help from a shop steward trained by the union at the workplace or from the union’s member services.
Trade unions negotiate collective agreements, which define, for example, salary increases and other minimum conditions of employment. Members have the opportunity to influence the issues negotiated in these agreements. Unions ensure that established benefits, such as annual leave and overtime pay, remain in place in the future.
The importance of unions becomes particularly evident when members face challenges at work. Union members receive assistance from workplace shop stewards or union member services. The union can also provide legal aid if necessary.
Belonging to a trade union and organizing is every employee’s right and advantage.
Why Organizing Matters?
The more employees belong to a union, the better the chances for wage increases and improved working conditions. The unionization rate—how many employees are union members—correlates with functioning labor markets and societal stability.
Membership in trade unions has declined in recent decades. This trend is concerning because it directly affects employees’ bargaining power in the labor market. Although unionization has decreased in Finland, it remains high compared to international standards. This shows that managing common issues—such as influencing labor legislation, providing member services, and defending workers’ rights—is still valued and needed.
Joining a union ensures fair working conditions and support if disputes arise at the workplace. Few employees, especially young ones, could negotiate regular salary increases, holiday bonuses, paid parental leave, or paid sick leave on their own without a collective agreement negotiated by a union and the union’s backing.
Belonging to a union and organizing is worthwhile because few can manage alone in working life.
Unionization has enormous societal significance. By organizing, you safeguard your own and collective working conditions and the ability to influence their development. The unionization rate affects both the legitimacy and bargaining power of unions and central organizations.
One of STTK’s strategic priorities is advocating for trade unions and strengthening the collective bargaining system. We are concerned about the development of unionization rates and actively work to increase them.