This is how you join a trade union
Most employees in Finland belong to the trade union for their sector. Students may also join.
Find your union
You will be eligible for union services immediately on joining.
The first step is to find out which union you should join by:
- asking the shop steward at your workplace
- calling the toll-free SAK telephone service on 0800 179 279 (Mon–Fri 9 am–3 pm)
- visiting the website at www.tradeunion.fi
- visiting our trade union webpage.
You may also consult the SAK union bot for further details of union membership benefits.
When your choice of union is clear, you should complete the membership application form on its website. The required links are conveniently listed online at www.tradeunion.fi.
How much does membership cost?
Union members usually pay a combined membership subscription (“dues”), comprising the fees for membership of the union and its unemployment fund. For SAK trade unions, this is usually between 1 and 2 percent of the taxable gross pay, benefits and bonuses paid by the employer. Membership subscriptions are tax-deductible.
Most SAK trade unions accept students as members. This membership is typically free of charge, even though it brings almost the same benefits as full members enjoy.
How do I pay the subscription?
You may pay the membership subscription independently, or ask your employer to deduct it from your pre-tax pay.
The employer may begin deducting membership subscriptions after making a written agreement with the employee.
Union membership application forms often include a collection agreement of this kind. You may also get one from the shop steward at your workplace or from your union branch. The payroll clerk for your workplace may also have a form of this kind.
You are free to pay the membership subscription independently. Consult your own trade union for further details.
Find your own trade union
A trade union can help when you need support in the world of work. The Tradeunion.fi service will help you find a suitable union according to your industry or the name of your workplace. Find your own union and join today!
Get to know the SAK trade unions
The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) is a confederation of 18 trade unions. These unions have a total of more than 800,000 individual members, including childminders, airline cabin crew members, bus and coach drivers, waiters, security guards, construction workers, paper industry process managers, electricians and dancers.
