Tuulikki Kannisto, Director of SAK retired in March 2001

The Trade union movement represents humane values within globalisation

In a world economy in which we are experiencing the acceleration of globalisation, the international trade union movement represents humane values and stands for the rights of the workers. The endeavours of the trade union movement in these areas are, little by little, bearing fruit, an example being the campaign for the abolition of child labour, according to Ms Tuulikki Kannisto who has worked as the Director of International Affairs at SAK for the past ten years.

During this last decade, during which Ms Kannisto has been at the helm of the International Department of SAK, the environment in which the Finnish trade union movement operates has undergone a complete change. Finland has joined the European Union, Estonia, the southern neighbour of Finland, is currently applying for EU accession, economic globalisation has accelerated at a great speed, and the entry of foreign workers into Finland is being encouraged.

The drastic changes which have taken place within the social environment have not of course left the trade union movement untouched.

"Globalisation has forced the trade union movement to voice its opinion and to react. International issues have become a regular item in the normal daily activities of the Finnish trade union movement. At present the trade union organisations deal with European Union directives and White Papers on an almost daily basis. International co-operation between the employees of multinational companies, and the presence of immigrants amongst the workforce, are nowadays commonplace issues for the trade union movement", says Ms Kannisto.

However, the changes which have recently taken place within society in general have not passed by the trade union movement, either in Finland or elsewhere in Europe, without some problems presenting themselves. This has had the inevitable effect of Tuulikki Kannisto s desk never being completely clear.

"The work of the trade union movement is perpetual, and globalisation will certainly not lessen this. The trade union movement in Europe operates in conjunction with the world-wide trade union movement, particularly through the auspices of ICFTU. There is plenty of work to do, partly due to the enlargement of the EU, but the issues which concern the trade union movement are global, and are not merely confined to Europe."

"The trade union movement represents human rights and trade union rights within the global economy. It is however regrettable that the trade union movement does not yet have sufficient resources for the comprehensive observation and analysis of the world economy and the effects of globalisation", says Tuulikki Kannisto.

The abolition of child labour is a heart-felt issue

Tuulikki Kannisto has worked relentlessly towards the abolition of child labour over a long period and in a variety of posts. As the former President of the Finnish Textile and Garment Workers' Union, she has found the subject of child labour to be very close to her heart, and she is pleased that some results in this area are now emerging, although somewhat slowly.

"SAK ran a successful campaign in opposition to the use of child labour, and we were able to awaken both Finnish workers and consumers to this very real problem. Checking on the possible use of child labour, prior to deciding upon a purchase, has recently become part of everyday routine for many consumers. People have also begun to discuss the ethical codes of international trade, and this is another area which influences the values which are held by the consumer. I am pleased that I have, for my part, been able to do at least something to promote humane values", adds Tuulikki Kannisto.

Ms Kannisto leads, within the EU Economic and Social Committee, a working group which examines the current position of young people.

"The circle is now closing. I joined the trade union movement when I was a youngster, and now, as a woman of 60 years of age, I am once again involved with the concerns of youth. This gives me a spark of hope, giving me faith in the future."

Although now retired from her position in the International Department of SAK, Tuulikki Kannisto will continue to work with the EU Economic and Social Committee. As Acting Director in the International Department will be Turo Bergman.

Leena Seretin