The Akava organisation
Akava is a confederation comprised of individual trade unions. The union affiliates are represented in the organs of Akava in proportion to their number of members.
The union meeting is the highest decision-making body
The highest decision-making body in Akava is the union meeting, which convenes twice a year. All member affiliates are represented in the union meeting in proportion to their number of members.
Every four years, the union meeting elects the organisation’s President and, every two years in the autumn, its Board of Directors.
Akava’s Board of Directors guides the organisation’s practical work
The implementation of decisions is the responsibility of Akava’s Board of Directors, whose term lasts two years. The Board of Directors has 21 members with personal deputies. In addition, any Akava affiliates that are not represented as regular members on the Board are granted the right to attend and speak at board meetings. Akava Students have representation on the Board. The Board convenes around 11 times a year.
The post of President of Akava is a full-time position. Among other things, the President serves as the Chairperson of the Board, represents Akava in public forums and manages the work of Akava’s office. The President of Akava for the 2024–2028 term is Maria Löfgren.
The meetings of the Board of Directors are prepared by the Working Committee, which has a chair and nine regular members as well as four general deputies.
Akava Students brings the student perspective to our work
Student activities are overseen by Akava’s Student Council. The Council is comprised of representatives of all Akava member affiliates that have student activities. The work of Council is headed by its own Chair, Vice Chair and Board of Directors. Akava Students is the umbrella name used to refer to the Council and student activities in general.
Network structure instead of committees
Akava has a network-based model for preparation, discussion and co-operation in which active members of the Akava community are involved. The network model was introduced at the beginning of 2025 to replace the previous committee structure.
Office of Akava
The Office of Akava is organised into four distinct entities: growth and employment, working life and the labour market, communication and information production (Akava Works), as well as development, administration and finances. In addition to these, the President, management team and entire office are supported by internal experts for the advancement of Akava’s strategy and lobbying tasks. The organisation is built around the priorities of Akava’s strategy.