Home » Commerce Sector Commerce Sector PAM safeguards working conditions in the commerce sector. Together, we are building a better industry. On this page, you can find information about working conditions and current issues in the sector. Join PAM Last updated: 17.03.2026 Collective Agreement for the Commerce Sector Collective Agreement for Retail Logistics Supervisors Collective Agreement for Retail Supervisors The commerce sector is one of the largest industries in Finland About 60% of retail employees work part-time 56% of employees in the sector are women nearly 700 shop stewards in workplaces PAM is the trade union for employees in the commerce sector PAM negotiates and develops terms of employment in the commerce sector We negotiate collective agreements with the employer organisation Finnish Commerce Federation and also develops terms of employment in the sector. The agreements cover employees across the retail sector, including sales assistants, retail supervisors and logistics supervisors. In the latest negotiation round, the parties agreed on several improvements. For example, these include wage increases, a reform of the salary system and better working time rules for a 24/7 society. In addition, employees gained easier access to skills development and the right to attend fertility treatments. Read more about collective agreement negotiations The collective agreement for the commerce sector is universally binding All employers in the sector must follow the minimum terms set out in the collective agreement. The current agreement is valid until 31 January 2028. The more members the union has, the stronger its position to negotiate better terms for employees. Explore the collective agreement for the commerce sector PAM monitors working conditions and supports members Whether it concerns pay, working hours, employment contracts or termination, as a member you receive fast, expert support from people who know the sector’s terms of employment inside out. Contact us Join the union New salary system to be introduced in autumn 2026 The commerce sector has developed its salary system for several years. As a result, a new system will be introduced by 1 October 2026 at the latest. Objective of the reform In this reform, the key objective has been to renew the pay provisions of the collective agreement and make remuneration clearer. Pay will be determined based on the complexity of job tasks, so that the criteria better reflect the actual requirements of the work rather than job titles. The collective agreement defines minimum wages. View minimum wages in the collective agreement Job requirement classification and guidelines As part of the reform, the collective agreement will include a single job requirement classification that applies to all employees covered by the commerce sector collective agreement. Minimum wages will be determined based on these classifications. No employee’s salary will be reduced as a result of the reform. This improves transparency and consistency in how pay is determined. PAM provides training, guidance and support to its members and elected representatives on matters related to the reform. Guidelines for applying the new job requirement classification Read the latest news and articles News immigration membership Want to spread knowledge of labour rights and bring migrant’s perspective to PAM? Become a PAM Networks Leader 17.2.2026 Press releases collective agreement commerce sector education pay The reform of the salary system for sales assistants and shop employees will enter into force on 1 October, 2026 – get prepared in time 11.2.2026 Articles commerce sector Meira Nova is exemplary employer of the year 16.1.2026 Blogs from the workplace networks unemployment Job hunting and the hidden cost of recruitment data 18.12.2025 Articles commerce sector membership occupational safety “Young people must not be taught that harassment is part of the job” 10.12.2025 Press releases commerce sector occupational safety “Let’s behave” campaign reminds everyone of the importance of good behaviour when Christmas shopping 1.12.2025 News immigration Labour exploitation – what you need to know 5.11.2025 Blogs collective agreement immigration legislation Same chain, new exploiters 31.10.2025 Blogs from the workplace networks staff representatives unemployment Standing together in times of uncertainty 4.7.2025 Press releases immigration legislation Platform economy PAM’s Rönni-Sällinen about courier residence permit issue: Wolt can solve it 17.6.2025 Downloadable materials (pdf) Collective agreement for the commerce sector Collective agreement in a nutshell Guideline for applying job requirement levels in new pay system (all employee groups) What is a trade union and how does PAM differ from an unemployment fund? Service Union United (PAM) ensures fair working conditions for employees in private service sectors. It also provides support in everyday working life. A trade union is an organisation of employees that: Negotiates collective agreements with employer organisations Ensures that pay and working conditions are fair and lawful Provides legal assistance and advice in employment-related disputes Influences legislation and societal decision-making in favour of employees YTK is not a trade union but an unemployment fund. In contrast, PAM is a trade union, and its membership also includes access to an unemployment fund for service sector employees. Read more about the differences between a trade union and YTK Become a member You should join PAM if you work in the private service sector as a salesperson, cleaner, waiter, cook or security guard, for example. We negotiate the terms and conditions of your job and help if you have problems in your employment. Read more and join
News immigration membership Want to spread knowledge of labour rights and bring migrant’s perspective to PAM? Become a PAM Networks Leader 17.2.2026
Press releases collective agreement commerce sector education pay The reform of the salary system for sales assistants and shop employees will enter into force on 1 October, 2026 – get prepared in time 11.2.2026
Blogs from the workplace networks unemployment Job hunting and the hidden cost of recruitment data 18.12.2025
Articles commerce sector membership occupational safety “Young people must not be taught that harassment is part of the job” 10.12.2025
Press releases commerce sector occupational safety “Let’s behave” campaign reminds everyone of the importance of good behaviour when Christmas shopping 1.12.2025
Blogs from the workplace networks staff representatives unemployment Standing together in times of uncertainty 4.7.2025
Press releases immigration legislation Platform economy PAM’s Rönni-Sällinen about courier residence permit issue: Wolt can solve it 17.6.2025
