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Home » PAM Council Resolution: Service sector workers – stand up for yourself! Now is the time to determine the direction of Finland’s future
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01.06.2026 17:25

PAM Council Resolution: Service sector workers – stand up for yourself! Now is the time to determine the direction of Finland’s future

In less than a year, parliamentary elections will be held in Finland. These are not just any elections – they are a decisive moment for what kind of working life and society we want to build.

Picture of red and white PAM flag flying outside a window, trees in background.

For more than three years, the Government has systematically put pressure on employees. Dismissals have been made easier, unjustified short-term employment has become the new norm, and employees’ security has been weakened step by step. The consequences of these decisions are clear: the dark shadow of uncertainty has stalled the economy, unemployment is the highest in the EU, and tens of thousands of children have been pushed into poverty.

At the same time, there have been attempts to undermine the operating conditions of the trade union movement. This is not only an attack on employees – it is an attack on democracy and on a fair, agreement-based society.

But we will not be silenced. We say to service sector workers: stand up for yourself and join us in demanding change!

We say to service sector workers: stand up for yourself and join us in demanding change!

PAM and the entire trade union movement are ready to roll up their sleeves to change the direction of Finland. Service sector employees keep this country running every day: in shops, in restaurants, in property services, in security and in logistics. Finland can only succeed if services function. Yet too many are forced to live with uncertain working hours, constant concern about their livelihood, and involuntary part-time unemployment. This is not acceptable.

We want to see a Parliament and a Government that are committed to eliminating part-time unemployment and restoring trust that in Finland one can earn a living through work. Working life is becoming increasingly demanding. Working life should support people – not wear them down. And if there is no work, social security must function as a genuine springboard back into employment, not as a punishment that pushes people into poverty.

We also demand strong measures to end labour exploitation. In Finland, modern slavery must not be tolerated in any form. The exploitation of workers, underpayment and keeping people in fear have no place in a state governed by the rule of law. Adequate resources for supervision, tougher sanctions for violations, and safeguarding workers’ rights are essential measures.

The next elections will determine more than the balance of power between parties. They will decide the value placed on workers in Finland. Do we want to continue down a path of uncertainty and deterioration of workers’ conditions – or do we build a Finland where work, fairness and cooperation are once again valued?

Workers’ rights have not emerged on their own. Nor will they endure without defenders.

Workers’ rights have not emerged on their own. Nor will they endure without defenders.

For this reason, PAM’s spring council calls on all PAM members to discuss, to influence, and above all to vote in next spring’s parliamentary elections. Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time to demand change. The wealthy use their right to vote actively. We must ensure that the voice of working people is heard in April. We will mobilise and change the direction of Finland.

Together, we will build a fairer working life and a better Finland!

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income membership PAM's governing bodies

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