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Negotiation of nurses’ working conditions

According to the Finnish contractual system, the trade union responsible for economic representation has the right to negotiate and agree on pay and sectoral terms and conditions.

Trade unions negotiate working conditions. They can negotiate on issues such as:

  • Wages
  • Overtime pay
  • Working hours
  • Holidays
  • Other benefits.

A collective agreement is an agreement between an employees’ organization and an employer or employers’ organization. Agreements made by a trade union apply to all its members.

Collective agreements on terms and conditions are concluded within the public sector. The private sector also has its own collective agreements.

Tehy, the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland, negotiates on behalf of nurses.

Most Finnish nurses are members of Tehy. Tehy is a member of central and bargaining organizations. It influences the conclusion of centralized performance agreements and wage settlements.

At local level, the interests of members are represented by shop stewards and union shop stewards. If the worker is not a member of a trade union organization responsible for economic representation, he or she negotiates the terms of his or her contract of employment himself or herself.

The Finnish Nurses Association is the largest of Tehy’s nine partnership organizations in terms of membership.

We are responsible for the professional representation of our members and provide arguments in support of financial representation.

We advocate for the profession, status and dignity of nurses. Through our activities, we influence and promote the professional status, working conditions and well-being of nurses.

Socially, the Finnish Nurses Association contributes to the education and social status and prestige of nurses.

As an organization, we are not involved in negotiations on pay or conditions of employment.

Further information: Tehy, the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland