The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees STTK and the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Finland AKAVA are recognised and respected organisations of considerable social standing. Employee organisations occupy a powerful position in the evolution of Finnish society. These central employee confederations are politically non-aligned. They work closely together, both at national and international level, and have common objectives: to improve the welfare and quality of life of employees, to improve working life and to harmonise its demands with those of family life.
Both individually and collectively the employee confederations submit their opinions to the Finnish government and to Parliament concerning changes in legislation on employment and social affairs, taxation, environmental and energy policy, education and training, employment and the evolution of working and business life. The views of the employee confederations carry considerable weight. The employee confederations also generally adopt a consistent position with respect to the employer confederations, even though they may seek varying objectives in doing so.
- there are 2.3 million workers in Finland
- women comprise 47.2 per cent of the labour force
- the rate of employment is 66.3 per cent and unemployment is 9.6 per cent (March 2001 figures)
Levels of agreements
Source: Together. SAK - STTK - AKAVA. 2001. The publication in pdf format
