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15.04.2026 11:49

PAM president demands quicker, more impactful penalties for labour exploitation

Yle highlighted today, Wednesday, in its article the appalling working conditions for seasonal workers in Lapland. – Sanctions are needed to prevent exploitation, says Annika Rönni-Sällinen.

Annika Rönni-Sällinen in a light blazer and dark blouse, seated on a stool with arms crossed against a solid teal background.

In the article that Yle published today about seasonal workers in Lapland, a Spanish seasonal worker interviewed lived in the same accommodation as 40 others. According to the man, there were also problems with, among other things, payment of supplements.

PAM’s newly published survey also shows problems. Of the seasonal workers who responded, 27 percent reported observing signs of labour exploitation. Among respondents who had moved to Finland, 40 percent had seen such signs.

PAM president Annika Rönni-Sällinen says the case Yle highlights shows Finland needs tools to combat exploitation that can be enforced immediately. Today the victims often leave the country long before legal processes in the cases have been concluded. The exploiters can then continue their operations without worry.

— There needs to be a sanction that can be enforced quickly once an authority has established exploitation. In addition, the sanction must be financially significant enough to deter those who plan to exploit others, says Rönni-Sällinen.

Everyone is affected

Rönni-Sällinen believes that sectors at risk of labour exploitation should be identified so that further measures and, if necessary, stricter regulation can be targeted at them. Authorities’ resources should also be strengthened.

— Tougher measures than today would benefit everyone, because many people are affected.  Those who suffer most are of course the victims, but companies that do the right thing also suffer when competition is distorted and suspicions are directed at all firms in the sector. In cases of labour exploitation it is clear that a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel and that even well-run companies in Lapland are seen as suspect, says Rönni-Sällinen.

She believes that tougher action is required in legislation, authorities’ practices, and on the labour market, to combat all forms of exploitation and breaches of mutually agreed rules.

Keywords:

Asuminen legislation työperäinen hyväksikäyttö working hours

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