Trade Unions in Finland

A trade union is an organisation that protects and improves workers’ rights and working conditions. Unions typically represent professionals from the same industry (e.g., nurses) or occupation (e.g., engineers).

Role of Trade Unions

• Negotiate collective agreements with employers.
• Represent workers in workplace and societal decision-making.
• Provide unemployment security through union-managed funds.
• Membership dues are tax-deductible, and employers often collect them directly.

Unemployment Benefits & Alternative Options

• Union members typically contribute to an unemployment fund for earnings-related benefits.
• YTK (General Unemployment Fund) is a non-union alternative providing unemployment benefits without requiring trade union membership.

Major Trade Union Confederations in Finland

1. SAK – Finnish Confederation of Trade Unions: Represents industrial, transport, and public service workers.
2. STTK – Represents white-collar professionals, civil servants, and healthcare staff.
3. Akava – Represents highly educated professionals (e.g., teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers).

Trade Unions in Art & Culture

• TAKU – Art and Culture Professionals’ Trade Union
• Finnish Actors’ Union (Suomen Näyttelijäliitto)
• The Finnish Musicians’ Union
• Trade Union for Theatre and Media Finland (TEME) – Includes theatre designers, dancers, film and media employees, lighting and sound designers, theatre directors, and projectionists.

Recommended Reading: “General Information about Working Life in Finland” by TEME.

Some of Finland’s Major Trade Unions

• Service Trade Union (PAM) – Retail, hospitality, and service workers.
• JHL – Public and welfare sector employees.
• Tehy – Healthcare and social care professionals.
• Industrial Union – Industrial and manufacturing workers.
• Pro – Clerical staff, supervisors, and experts.
• OAJ – Teachers and educators.
• Finnish Construction Trade Union – Construction workers.
• SuPer – Practical nurses.
• Engineer Association & Finnish Economists – Represent technical and financial professionals.

For more information on YTK: www.ytk.fi