PAM softens the bumps of working life

There are lots of applicants for summer jobs, and competition can be tough. It’s a good idea to look for jobs in several different places and apply boldly also to workplaces that do not publicly advertise vacancies.

You can explore open jobs in the service sector here (in Finnish) or check out Duunitori’s summer jobs page here (in Finnish) and Jobly here (in English). This year, PAM is also collaborating with the Children and Youth Foundation on Kesätyö.fi, where you can apply for and get a summer job even without previous work experience.

If traditional job search channels are not working, it’s also worth looking for jobs through social media, friends and networks, and by asking workplaces directly.

The purpose of a job interview is for the employer to get to know you better and assess if the job suits you. A good employer also wants to make sure you have the necessary information about the tasks and working environment. See our tips for job interviews

Can the employer ask anything in the job interview? No, they cannot.
The law sets boundaries an for employers’ in recruiting processes.

By joining PAM, you make sure you have the support, security and services that come with membership if questions or problems come up in your employment. You can only join while you are employed. If your work does not continue in the autumn, your membership will continue free of charge without membership fees.

PAM membership includes both trade union membership and the unemployment fund membership. As a member, you may accumulate eligibility for earnings-related unemployment allowance, giving you extra security if you ever become unemployed.

1) Make a written employment contract 

It’s always best to make a written employment contract. You should get your own copy of it. The contract sets out the terms of your employment, such as your pay, working hours and duties.

The terms of the employment contract cannot be worse than the minimum terms agreed in the collective agreement. Read more about employment contracts and what they must include. As a PAM member, you can also review your contract with one of our experts.

2) Check your pay and collective agreement 

The collective agreement sets minimum pay, working hour supplements, and breaks. Make sure that the pay agreed in your employment contract complies with the collective agreement. Read more about wages for young people and summer workers in different sectors.

3) Check your work shifts and shift lists

You must receive your shift list or roster well in advance, and shifts cannot be changed or cancelled without your consent. Any changes should always be agreed on in writing.

Keep a record of your shifts to make it easier to check your pay, additional work, overtime and holiday compensation.

Note! Bad weather is not a valid reason for the employer to cancel shifts without agreement. If a shift is marked in the roster, you must still be paid for it.

4) You have the right to orientation

A good employer makes sure you get proper orientation and guidance for your tasks. This improves safety and helps you succeed at your job. All personnel groups have the right to orientation, including temporary agency workers, summer workers and seasonal workers. Proper orientation is also important for occupational safety. Read more about orientation to the work

5) Make sure your employer receives your tax card

Your employer needs your tax card around two weeks before the next payday. Ask your supervisor how to provide your tax card details. Some employers get the details directly from the Tax Administration and some need you to send them the tax card. You can get your tax card by logging in to MyTax.

6) Join a trade union

You can only join PAM while you are employed, so having a summer job gives you a unique opportunity to become a member. If your work does not continue after the summer, notify us of unpaid period, and you can continue your membership without membership fees until your next job.

Depending on your employment, you may also start accruing the work requirement for earnings-related unemployment allowance, so joining really is worth it.

Even if you are only temporarily working in the service sector, union membership is still worthwhile. If you later change fields, you can also change unions.

👉 Check your pay and pay slip
You are entitled to the correct pay for your work. Always check that your wages, supplements/bonuses, and holiday compensation have been paid correctly. Read how to check your pay and learn more about wages for young people and summer workers in service sectors.

👉 Check your shift list
The work shift list or roster must be provided in writing to the employees in good time, and no later than a week before the start of the work shift period. Changes to the work shift list may only be made with the mutual consent of the employee and the employer.

👉 You have the right to be sick
Getting sick is not a valid reason to terminate your employment. If you cannot work because of illness or an accident, you may be entitled to sick pay. Read more here

👉 Ask about extra hours
If you work part-time, your employer must offer extra hours primarily to current employees before hiring new workers. Read more about part-time work and extra hours here.

👉 Take your breaks
Every employee has the right to breaks. Meal and coffee breaks are determined by the collective agreement. You also have the right to use the bathroom during the workday. In hot working conditions, you may also be entitled to extra breaks. Read more here.

👉 Make use of your union membership
Remember that you do not have to manage working life alone. PAM’s services help members with employment-related matters and questions. Something on your mind? Explore our employment advice service and book an appointment if needed. Enjoy a wide range of member benefits or join our peer networks for immigrant workers!

Most summer jobs are positive experiences and go smoothly. However, if you face problems or unclear situations related to pay, shifts or working conditions, you don’t need to handle them alone.

If you notice that:  

• the collective agreement or labour legislation is not being followed
• your pay is too low
• there are issues with work shifts
• breaks are not provided properly
• working conditions are unsafe, or
• you or your co-workers are not treated fairly

First talk to your supervisor, often issues are solved through discussion. If the situation is not resolved, as a PAM member, you can get help from the union representative or PAM’s experts.

PAM membership gives you support and security. At PAM, we want to help and support summer workers. At your workplace, you can get help from a union representative. If there is no representative, you can contact PAM’s customer service or member services hotline.

In matters related to occupational safety, you can also contact the occupational safety representative.

When your employment ends, it is important to check that all terms of employment have been fulfilled and that your final pay has been paid correctly.

👉Ask for a reference / employment certificate
Employees are entitled to receive a written employment certificate from their employer. By law, the employer must provide one for up to ten years after the employment relationship has ended.

👉 Remember to check your annual holiday or holiday compensation
Summer workers are also entitled to annual holiday or holiday compensation. Holiday compensation is paid if you are unable to take holiday or if you have not accrued annual holiday. Remember to check your holiday compensation on your payslip. Read more about annual holidays.

👉 Check your payslips
If you suspect that your wages have been paid incorrectly or that supplements/bonuses are missing, check the collective agreement. As a member, you can also contact PAM’s employment advice services. Read how to check your pay slip.

👉 Update your membership details to receive a fee exemption
If your employment does not continue after your summer job, you may be entitled to a membership fee exemption. Remember to update your information and notify us of unpaid periods or new employment through the eService. This way, you can continue enjoying your member benefits in the future.

At what age can you get a summer job?

We have gathered information about minimum ages for work and the legislation on young workers here.

See information about wages for young workers in services sectors here.

Earn as You Learn summer trainee programme

Agreements on a separate Earn as You Learn summer trainee programme for schoolgoers have been made in several sectors. Read more about the Learn as You earn programme. 

Are you a young worker aged under 18? Read more about special regulations concerning you

Children and Youth Foundation’s Kesätyö.fi

At Kesätyö.fi, you can apply for and get a summer job even without previous work experience. Summer jobs are gathered in one place, making them easy to find. All employers on Kesätyö.fi commit to the platform’s principles, helping ensure a safe and positive work experience.

Free Summer Job Helpline all summer long

The Summer Job Helpline is provided by the Finnish trade union confederations SAK, Akava and STTK. The service is open until 31 August.