Stronger growth of the economy and employment, tougher times for the unemployed and immigrants
In this article, Akava’s specialists analyse the new Government Programme, which contains legislative changes that will significantly weaken employees’ job security and working conditions.
Akava: Government Programme weakens the position of employees and increases uncertainty
Akava considers the Government Programme unbalanced in terms of labour market issues. With the policy statements made in the programme, the new Government is turning its back on joint efforts to improve working life. Measures that will materially weaken employees’ rights raise concern among the younger generation entering the labour market, causing increased insecurity, Akava notes.
Statement: Charging full tuition fees would reduce the number of international experts in Finland
A large group of organizations, including Akava students, have issued a statement on the proposal of Ministry of Education and Culture. In its material to the government negotiators, the Ministry of Education and Culture has proposed that international students be charged full tuition fees, which would result in considerably higher costs to them. According to an estimate by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the number of students from outside the EU and EEA countries would fall by 43%.
Akava: A comprehensive programme is needed to advance equality
Approximately one third of highly educated respondents between the ages of 18–35 have observed inappropriate treatment or discrimination towards sexual and gender minorities in places of study or the workplace.
Free Summer Job Helpline (Kesäduunari) offers advice to summer employees
Today, 2 May, is the opening day of the Summer Job Helpline, provided jointly by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), Akava and the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK). Summer employees can contact the Summer Job Helpline by phone, WhatsApp and the service’s online form for advice regarding their employment. The service is available for everyone; trade union membership is not required.
The membership of Akava affiliates has grown slightly
The total number of members of Akava affiliates at the start of 2023 was 616,000, which is an increase of 1,200 members in comparison to the previous year. The number of paying members increased by 177 and the number of student members by 3,393. The highest number of new members was gained by the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland and the highest relative growth was experienced by Akavan sairaanhoitajat ja Taja.
