Your local branch needs you

There are local branches of the Industrial Union all around the country. In total, there are some 500 branches covering various regions of Finland and profes­sions in the union. Now is the time to have some say and influence: the local branches will hold their autumn general meetings in October and November.

When joining the union you become a member of a local branch. Depen­ding on your workplace, the local branch can cover one workplace or several ones. In any event the local branches organise many activi­ties and all members are welcome to participate.

The main goal of the local branch is to bring wage and salary earners as well as students in the area together to defend their interests and improve their economic and social situation.

This takes many forms, depen­ding on the local branch in question. Together with the shop steward the local branch, for instance, monitors that laws and collec­tive agree­ments are being adhered to in the workplace.

But life is not just about laws and agree­ments. Recrea­tional, social and cultural activi­ties are a vital part of the work of local branches. In this is area wishes of the branch members are extre­mely important.

Now is the time to have some say and influence: the local branches will hold their autumn general meetings in October and November.

Only if it knows what the members want can the local branch board organise right kind of activi­ties. You want to have a fishing outing? Or a trip to the theatre? An all-family summer event? Please let the branch board know what you would like to have. Most probably they do not have telepathic skills to read members’ minds.

The most impor­tant guiding document for a local branch is the action plan. It is adopted – together with the budget – in the autumn general meeting of the local branch.

Members on the spot at the general meeting have the right to decide what these documents contain. By joining the meeting and airing your point of view you might be able to see that the activi­ties you wish for are consi­dered to be included in the branch’s activities.

Another very impor­tant issue at the autumn general meeting is elections. The meeting elects the chair­person and other members of the board. They have a great respon­si­bi­lity of advising and guiding the local branch. The more members in atten­dance at the general meeting, the stronger the mandate the board has.

You can become a candi­date yourself. Depen­ding on the local branch there are many specia­lised areas, too, that need people. For instance, those in charge of youth work, educa­tional work, culture and recrea­tional activi­ties, equality issues and inter­na­tional activities.

Local branches have their spring­time general meetings in March and April. These meetings endorse reports on branch activies as well as finances.