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Why would I join a union?

Your union will provide you with support at different stages of your career path:

  • Assistance in determining a salary request and support for revising an employment contract
  • Tips for updating documents related to job search and advice on career planning
  • Information on the rights of an employee and legal advice
  • A community within your field, peer support, and networks
  • Monetary membership benefits related to, e.g., insurance, banking, and travelling



Your right to join a union

"The structure and role of the Finnish labour regulation reflects many of the central features of the so called Nordic model of industrial relations.  Thus, the Finnish labour market is characterised by a high level of organisation on both the employee and the employer side, and an important role played by collective bargaining in labour regulation." International Labour Organization (ILO)

In Finland, it is very common to be a member of a trade union and this right to organisation is protected by the law. Due to the high organisation rate, Finnish labour market organizations also play a significant part in the public discussion related to Finnish working life. They participate, for example, in the preparation of different laws and regulations.

Why should I become a member?

Personal advice and support

Whether it is a question of employment conditions or your rights in working life, your trade union will advise you on everyday working life issues. When you encounter problems in the working life, we will help you resolve them.

Training, events, and information

Your union organizes useful trainings and events for its members. Industry related information is also shared through publications. You should also follow your union's websites and social media channels!

Professional community and networks

Unions work every day to make working life better. Community support is important for career development and maintaining well-being.

There is power in networks. When you join a union, you can meet other specialists in your field and discuss topics related to your work and expertise.

Membership benefits from Member+

The Member+ membership service brings together common services and benefits for members of the unions within Akava in one place. The www.memberplus.fi service offers you benefits from travel, home, and health and well-being products. You can also rent out dozens of summer cottages at membership prices across Finland. Together, we also offer membership benefits from insurance and banking services.

Collective agreements and negotiations

Did you know that collective agreements agree on industry related terms of employment? They include issues such as the remuneration of parental leave, employee representation in the workplace, the remuneration of sick leave, and the reimbursement of travel expenses. All of these are important topics to the Akava community.

Collective agreements are negotiated between employers' and employees' organizations. Our negotiation activities are handled by The Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff YTN and the Negotiation Organisation for Public Sector Professionals JUKO. The work done by shop stewards in the workplace is also part of the activities of the negotiation organizations.