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17.06.2025 16:23

Standing up, speaking out

When José Sicabí Cruz Salinas started working at Helsinki Airport’s Premium Plaza Lounge in January 2023, he didn’t plan to become a union representative. But one question lit a spark that led to a mission to raise awareness among his co-workers, most of whom are immigrants like him.

Work in hospitality is demanding and can leave you exhausted, says Cruz Salinas, but you feel the impact of your work immediately. That’s a major difference to the local government desk job he had in his native Mexico.

—One of the best parts of hospitality work is helping people. Every day, I help someone, and that is rewarding.

Through PAM, he has found yet another way to help others.

Learning what unions really do

Cruz Salinas joined PAM shortly after starting his job, but it wasn’t until two years later, that things clicked for him. He signed up for a training session on occupational safety and health that opened his eyes to the real role of the union.

—Someone asked if we knew how many trade unions existed in our sector. We said two: PAM and YTK. Then the trainer said, ‘YTK isn’t a union — it’s an unemployment fund set up by employers.’ That’s when I realized how little we actually knew, Cruz Salinas says.

He also learned about the collective agreement, and that it’s not just about wages.

—Many of our benefits come from that agreement. I didn’t even know about it before. It made me realize how important it is to understand and share this information with my colleagues.

From learning to leading

Cruz Salinas says workers rights are respected in Finland, and he wants that to continue. Photo by Fred Miller

At the training, he happened to get talking with a participant who was herself a union representative.

—She asked me, ‘Do you have a union representative at your company?’ I said no. She said, ‘Then you should elect one.

Back at work, Cruz Salinas spoke with his colleagues and found out who were already PAM members. They supported the idea — and nominated him for the role.

—Since I was the one bringing the information, they said “You should run for it.”

So, Cruz Salinas contacted PAM’s regional office, and they guided him through the process and options.

—It was quick and simple. We voted by email, and it took just a few weeks.

The whole process from the spark at the training in February to his election as representative in April took less than two months.

A union representative, also called shop steward, is a PAM member that has been elected by the other PAM members at a company to represent them.

The union representative helps members with employment questions and represents workers in discussions and negotiations with the employer.

PAM offers union representatives trainings and support on labour laws, the collective agreement and negotiations with the employer. Union representatives have rights and protections through law and collective agreements.

A positive response

Cruz Salinas was happy to see that his employer reacted with professionalism.

—My supervisor and HR congratulated me and were supportive.

Now as a union representative, Cruz Salinas has two big goals for the next two years. First, to make sure his coworkers understand the collective agreement.

—I want everyone to be aware of what’s in the agreement. It’s a long document, but I can help break it down.

His second goal is to grow PAM membership at his workplace.

—When one person joins, others follow. It’s all about trust. Even one person can make a difference.

Being a lounge assistant/cashier means every day at work is different. Cruz Salinas’ work includes assisting travelers at the lounge in Departures, meet and greet services for VIPs, and also cashier work at the company’s restaurant at the Food Hall in Arrivals. Photographer: Fred Miller

Rights and dignity through collective organising

—My grandfather was a railroad worker in Mexico, and he was also a union representative. So, he taught me about collective organising and how it promotes rights and dignity. We have this saying: “United we bargain, divided we break”. I really believe in that.

—In Finland, worker’s rights are respected, and I want that to continue. But we can’t take it for granted. We have to stay organized.

That is why he believes every worker should join the union. Not just for unemployment insurance, but for the knowledge, training, and support it provides.

—Recognize other PAM members at your workplace. Start talking. Then it’s just a short step to electing a union representative.

Text: Hildur Boldt
Photos: Fred Miller

I think we should elect a union representative. What should I do?

First, talk to your coworkers about organising. When you have decided you want to elect a union representative, contact your PAM regional office. PAM’s officials will help you through the process of nominations and the election.

If you are not sure if there is a union rep in the company, ask your colleagues or ask through PAM’s helpline or in the eService.

We have a union rep in the company, but not at my location.

In all workplaces, union representatives need help and support from the PAM members. Reach out to the union rep and say you want to do more.

There are member teams (jäsentiimi) at many companies to support the union rep. In the member team you gain knowledge and have opportunities to improve working conditions through organising.

Keywords:

hotel and restaurant industry staff representatives

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