Trade unions provide better livelihoods, security and a path to influence society
The trade union movement is a key builder of the Finnish welfare society. The movement’s strength comes from active members. The task is to defend workers and the weakest in society.
The Finnish welfare society was built through cooperation after the First and Second World War. Workers, employers and governments sat down to negotiate and decide the future of the country.
Key social safety nets, such as social security and the pension system, have been built through tripartite negotiations.
“The trade union movement has been strongly involved in negotiating and reaching solutions during difficult times,” says Jyrki Virtanen, Labour Market Director at the Industrial Union.
The core mission of the trade union movement has not changed significantly during its history. Today, the trade union movement continues to defend workers and the weakest in society.
“The conflict between workers and capital has not disappeared. The trade union movement seeks to level the playing field,” Virtanen says.