The average membership fee of an unemployment fund is 59 € in the industries that Akava and its unions operate in (2022)
The amount of the unemployment fund's membership fee varies according to the unemployment fund.
You are entitled to the earnings-related unemployment allowance from the unemployment fund if:
- you are full-time or part-time unemployed
- you are a member of the unemployment fund
- you have been employed for 26 weeks (approx. 6 months) during your fund membership.
The amount of the earnings-related unemployment allowance is calculated on the basis of your previous earnings. It can be paid for a maximum of 400 days. If you were employed for less than 3 years before unemployment, you may receive earnings-related unemployment allowance for a maximum of 300 days. After the maximum period, you can apply for labour market subsidy. For more information about the earnings-related unemployment allowance, contact your own unemployment fund or visit the website of TYJ, the cooperation body for Finnish unemployment funds.
More information about earnings-related benefits: https://www.tyj.fi/en/
What is the difference between trade unions and unemployment funds?
The operations of unemployment funds and trade unionions are governed by different laws. By law (
Työttömyysturvalaki), the unemployment fund is responsible for arranging earnings-related unemployment allowance for its members. The funds cannot organize other activities or benefits. Membership is useful if you become unemployed or are laid off. However, please note that you must become a member of the fund before such a situation occurs.
Trade unions are there to support you at all stages of your career. Their activities are governed by law (
Yhdistyslaki) which allows them to organize their activities quite freely. However, the union does not pay earnings-related unemployment allowances, as this is the task of the unemployment funds. The unions help their members in various working life situations, for example through legal services and career counselling, trainings and events. They also participate in the preparation of laws and regulations related to the working life.
Trade Union + Unemployment Fund
= Your best security in working life!
