Trade unions

In Finland, most of the employees belong to a trade union in their field. You can join the trade union for your industry if you wish. The unions seek to safeguard the interests and rights of their members. In addition, trade unions are also trying to improve wages and employment security. In Finland, legislation secures the right of employees to belong to a trade union. This right cannot be restricted by any agreements.

Trade union members pay a membership fee. It is usually about 1–2% of the wages. You can deduct the membership fee from your taxes.

When you belong to a trade union, you will get support from your local union representative in case of disputes in the workplace. If necessary, you can also get advice and help with negotiations.

Finland has a voluntary unemployment fund system. Employees who are members of an unemployment fund pay a membership fee to the unemployment fund while working. If the work finishes and they become unemployed, they can apply to the unemployment fund for earnings-related daily unemployment allowance. It is worthwhile joining the unemployment fund because the earnings-related daily allowance is higher than standard unemployment allowance.

Source: Trade unions (infofinland.fi)

Unemployment fund