Industrial Union defends migrant workers´ rights in agriculture

In theory, foreign natio­nals enjoy all the same rights in working life as their Finnish collea­gues. In practice, this is unfor­tu­na­tely not always the case.

14.4.2021

The most common problems are connected to seasonal work in agricul­ture and tourism. The Seasonal Workers Act defines what consti­tutes seasonal work and nine months is the maximum time for contracts.

A direct emplo­y­ment contract between the seasonal worker and the employer in Finland is needed. There is a special residence permit for seasonal work for those coming from outside the European Union and EEA countries.

Seasonal workers are often in a vulne­rable position. Invariably they depend on one single branch of work, their stay is only of a short duration, the two national languages of Finland sound pretty strange and the national legis­la­tion is not familiar. They are usually not members of the union either.

The Industrial Union also extends to agricul­tural work. All too often the union gets to learn of unplea­sant cases whereby workers in agricul­ture are treated badly and cheated out of pay or working hours.

Seasonal workers are not the only vulne­rable ones. There have been several cases where other foreign natio­nals in agricul­tural work have been mistreated contrary to the agree­ments and legislation.

How to act when there are problems at the workplace? First, you should discuss the matter with the employer. If this does not help, and there is a union shop steward, talk to him or her. Then you can inves­ti­gate the problem together with the employer.

If this does not resolve the issue, you or the shop steward can contact the Industrial Union regional office. They can also offer service in English, if neces­sary. The union can then proceed with the issue by contac­ting the employer, emplo­yers’ union or even go to the court.

At the end of last year, the Finnish Govern­ment proposed a legis­la­tive amend­ment to make it possible to ban emplo­yers who have been mistrea­ting foreign workers from further recruit­ment. And the victim would then get a residence permit to search for a new job in any branch.

This legis­la­tion is a major victory for us, says Eve Kyntäjä, Advisor for Migra­tion Policy at The Central Organi­sa­tion of Finnish Trade Unions SAK. Unions have been fighting for years for such legislation.

This issue of Tekijä includes a major article about the problems migrant workers face. The conclusion of the one of those inter­viewed, an Ukrai­nian agricul­tural worker, is clear:

– Know your rights. And join the Union.

TEXT HEIKKI JOKINEN
ILLUSTRATION VILLE TIETÄVÄINEN