Knowledge builds confidence for new workplace representatives

The room was filled with animated discussions and laughter when 22 newly elected union and occupational safety representatives gathered for PAM’s first-ever three-day basic course for representatives in English. Colourful notes and drawings from group work filled the walls.

The training was not just a chance to learn the essentials of their role in a language they feel comfortable using. It was also the first chance they had to meet other representatives with an immigrant background.

In last autumn, many new union and occupational safety representatives were elected across PAM’s sectors. An increasing number of them are immigrants who do not yet speak Finnish or Swedish fluently.

Until now, this has also meant that some representatives have had to take on the role of representative without access to basic training on labour laws and collective agreements in English.

“I realised others had the same issues”

The participants came from different workplaces and sectors, but their paths to becoming representatives were often similar: Colleagues turn to the person they trust. When a problem needs fixing, someone decides to speak up.

Rama Pandey, a newly elected union representative in the cleaning sector at Palmia, said he had first contacted PAM with questions about sick leave and sick pay.

– There was no union representative for the cleaning sector at Palmia. I knew PAM would help with my questions, but I realised others had the same issues.

When no one else stepped forward, he did.

“You’re already doing it.”

At Clarion Hotel Mestari, Stéphanie Mazor had a similar experience. Today she’s an occupational safety representative, but at first, she had no formal role.

– Some employees who didn’t feel comfortable “complaining” or requesting things were asking me to do it instead of them.

They didn’t have an occupational safety representative at the time, and when a manager tried to restrict bathroom use, she was the only one who spoke up.

– After that people kept pushing me into the role even more. They said: ‘You’re already doing it.’ So, I thought it was worth learning more and doing it in a more structured way, Stéphanie recounts.

Mariano Keri, a union representative at Vihannes-Laitila who was elected in 2024 and again for 2026–2027, stepped up when problems arose around holiday scheduling.

–There had been issues and questions about annual holiday. We’re working to make sure there is transparency and equal treatment.

He also credits the previous representative for maintaining constructive dialogue at the workplace.

– They did a good job of keeping the peace. I try to continue that.

Knowledge, networks and confidence

For the participants, the English-language course provided both practical tools and a sense of community.

Mariano said he gained a network and knowledge.

–You get ideas for improving things at your own workplace. And you have tools and connections to find solutions if there are problems.

Rama described the training as “very informative”.

– I learned more about the law and the collective agreement. Now I can read it better and explain it to others.

Germain Ishimwe has been a union and occupational safety representative at Laplandia Market since 2024. He says he is very happy about the training in English, that it was harder before. He added that he felt more comfortable in this group.

– I don’t speak Finnish fluently, and here everyone is an immigrant.

He hopes PAM will organise continuation courses in English as well.

“Hearing other people’s experiences is very valuable.”

Stéphanie appreciated the practical focus of the training.

– You get the basics on labour laws and collective agreements. It gives you more structure. And hearing other people’s experiences is very valuable.

As representatives gain knowledge, they also gain something less tangible but equally important: confidence.

– With knowledge comes confidence, and confidence gives authority. You get taken more seriously. You know the answer, or at least you know where to find it, Stéphanie said.

Germain agreed. The course, he said, has strengthened his self-assurance in the role.

Speaking up, and having the knowledge to do so with confidence, can lead to meaningful change both at the workplace and beyond.

Text and pictures: Hildur Boldt