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.
Wishing you a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!
This holiday season, we have chosen to make a donation to the Good Holiday Spirit campaign and to promote the mental health of children and young people through MIELI Mental Health Finland.
Maria Löfgren appointed as new President of Akava
The union meeting of Akava elected Maria Löfgren as the new President of Akava. The union meeting voted and elected Löfgren in the first round with a total of 514 votes. Her term as President shall begin immediately and continue until the spring union meeting in 2024.
