Bargaining activity
Through the bargaining process Finnish Food Workers’ Union improves the economical situation, employment conditions and the social benefits of it’s membership. Safeguarding of interests is done through bargaining with the employers’ organization. On the national level members’ interests are attended by concluding the wage agreements, influencing as a member organization of the trade union federation (SAK) and by participating in the meetings of the decision-making bodies and expert groups.
SEL negotiates and signs the collective bargaining agreements as well as provides instructions, advice and interpretations on the employment related issues.
In order to fulfill the safeguarding of interests, the union:
- agrees wage agreements and other employment conditions through bargaining and signing the collective agreements
- observes compliance with laws and agreements (additional information on the role of a shop steward)
- negotiates disagreements
- takes care of the disputes and trials (additional information on the legal protection of the members)
- works to develop organizations, industrial safety and pension systems
- supports and trains representatives (additional information on the training)
The shop stewards and people in charge in the local trade union branches look after the local safeguarding of the SEL’s members.
The social and professional safeguarding of interests
SEL influences the content of laws, the food industry policy and social policy through official comments and statements.
SEL participates in the preparatory working groups for laws and hearings.
In meetings with the decision-makers SEL supports the preservation of the membership’s jobs and contributes to the development of the Finnish food industry.