Trade unions in Åland

Trade unions and unemployment funds are two separate systems. Trade unions offer employees various services, advice and training, and participate in negotiations on matters such as collective agreements. As a member of an unemployment fund, you can apply for earnings-related allowances if you become unemployed. 

Read more about trade unions on the page Trade unions in Finland.

In Finland and Åland, there are approximately 80 trade unions belonging to three central organisations: The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK) and the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff (Akava). Trade unions look after their members' interests and represent workers in matters relating to pay and employment terms. Trade unions also provide useful services and help in difficult situations. 

At the workplace, the trade union and its members are represented by a shop steward. The shop steward acts as a negotiator, mediator and information provider between employers and employees. Support is also provided in matters relating to collective agreements.

There are representatives of the Finnish central organisations and their member associations in Åland. Information and contact details for the associations that operate in Åland can be found on their respective websites.

There are a total of 13 unemployment funds in Finland, and you can be a member either through a trade union or directly. The Federation of Unemployment Funds (TYJ) website contains comprehensive information about membership and which unemployment funds you can join.

You can apply for membership while working or as an entrepreneur. If you move to Finland from another EU/EEA country, it is possible to join an unemployment fund for a limited period of time, even if you are unemployed. Members of an unemployment fund pay a membership fee, and if their employment ends and they become unemployed, they can apply to the fund for income-related unemployment allowances. The compensation is based on your previous pay.

Earnings-related unemployment allowance is higher than the basic unemployment allowance paid by the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (AMS). So membership of an unemployment insurance fund can be advantageous. Certain conditions must be met to get earnings-related unemployment allowance. Read more about the conditions and unemployment benefits on the Info Norden page Unemployment benefit in Åland.

The Office of the Åland Ombudsman and the Discrimination Ombudsman provide advice and support to ensure that individuals are not subjected to discrimination in the workplace. They can also help you file a discrimination complaint or contact the Finnish Ombudsman for Equality, the Finnish Non-Discrimination Ombudsman or the occupational safety and health department of the Finnish Supervisory Agency. Read more on the website of the Office of the Åland Ombudsman. 

On the Info Norden website you can find information on trade unions in the other Nordic countries and which authorities to contact if you have questions.