Know your rights at work

The Finnish labor market system is transparent and fair – of course normal negotiating and arm wrestling is a part of it. The employer unions and employee unions agree on base level of wages and terms of employment. For example, the employer must insure you for accidents and the training periods are paid too.  

To get the most back rest in your work life, you can join a trade union. You can join an unemployment fund on the first day in your job and you’ll be eligible for possible compensation after a few months of working. A trade union can help you if you have problems with your employer. Belonging to a union will not cause conflicts with the employer. In the past few years, the share of Finnish workforce belonging to a union has been between 59-69%. The unemployment fund will pay you a daily allowance if you become unemployed and meet the other criteria of the employment fund.  

Information on the terms of employment in Finland is available in several languages in the As a foreign employee in Finland guide by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In Finland, the occupational safety and health authorities monitor workplaces. You can always contact them, also anonymously. 

In Finland, the occupational safety and health authorities monitor workplaces. The regular working hours are 8 hours a day. It’s a good idea to keep a record of your working hours, for example on your phone.  

Finland wants you to feel good, restored, and healthy so that you like to be at work and give your best and most focused effort when you’re writing code, evaluating green tech options, or when welding a cruise ship or treating a patient. You are entitled to annual holidays, which are paid. Check the number of holidays with your employer. You have the right to be paid a normal and reasonable salary for your work. 

Read more about the working hours, salary and compensation, paid vacations, and healthcare & workplace safety. 

Finland is a highly digitalized country and wages are being paid directly to your bank account. Your bank account is yours and yours only. No one else has the right to use your account, cards, or banking credentials. 

The employer must pay your salary on the agreed payment date. A pay statement is delivered to you with each payment either on paper or electronically. The statement shows wages, supplements, benefits, other charges required by the law and the taxes.  

Oh yes, the taxes. It’s your responsibility to pay them. Luckily, it has been made easy, and they are paid automatically from your salary. Read more about the Finnish tax system. 

In case your wage has been paid wrongly, try to resolve the matter with the employer first. The next steps to get help would be legal aid or your trade union.