Parliamentary elections in March

SAK lobbies for major goals in 2003-2007

(Helsinki 10.01.2003 - Juhani Artto) SAK, Finland's largest central trade union organisation, published its objectives for the country's policymaking process over the 2003-2007 term already in late October 2002. The upcoming parliamentary elections are scheduled for 16 March 2003. In the run-up to these elections and during the post-election government program negotiations SAK will argue and lobby strongly for its goals. All of the other major stakeholders in Finnish society have learnt to do the same thing in their own interests. The chances of influencing political decisions after the government program has been settled are significantly more remote.

One important and imminent concern for SAK is the rapid ageing of the labour force and the entire population structure of Finland. As much as one third of employees are expected to quit working life by the year 2010. There are currently 26 people over 65 years of age for every 100 of working age. By 2020 this ratio will be 41 per 100.

The main way to tackle this radical change is to increase the employment rate from the present 68 per cent to 75 per cent - the level that prevailed just before the economic recession of the early 1990s. SAK envisages a fall in the unemployment rate to 5 per cent by the end of the decade. The average retirement age should rise by two to three years from the present age of 59 years.

Read more about the parliamentary elections and SAK's objectives on Trade Union News from Finland. See also SAK objectives for the legislative period 2003-2007. Finnish model - results by means of confidence and cooperation.