Finnish Railway Union RAU
The members of the Finnish Railway Union RAU work in the railway sector as locomotive drivers and traffic controllers, and in railway customer service and clerical functions. RAU works for an open, fair and humane world of work that makes work more rewarding.
Members
The members of the Finnish Railway Union RAU serve as:
- locomotive drivers or staff working in similar traction equipment functions
- traffic controllers
- railway industry clerical staff, including service advisers and operating centre attendants
Joining the union
You may join RAU by completing the online membership application form.
The membership subscription fee for RAU in 2025 is 1.3 per cent of gross wages plus a branch subscription fee of 0.1–0.5 per cent of gross wages. This membership subscription fee includes membership of the unemployment fund. The membership fee is tax-deductible.
Student membership
Students enrolled on training courses for work in sectors organised by RAU may join the union as student members. Student membership is free of charge.
Essi Lappalainen (40)
Modern rail transport is monitored and controlled as closely as air traffic. Essi Lappalainen ensures that the railways remain safe for passengers, and also for the staff who service railway infrastructure.
- Essi serves as a Rail Traffic Controller , and has worked at the Oulu office of Fintraffic Railway Ltd since 2013.
- She is a member of the Railway Union RAU.
“I got involved in the union because we needed to reform our culture in certain ways. Over a period of eight years, I have served in such capacities as shop steward, deputy shop steward, and occupational safety and health representative. Fairness is the main touchstone of the world of work. The best way to improve occupational welfare is to work with the employer, and I think cooperation is the most effective approach to resolving problems.”
Collective agreements
RAU negotiates the following collective agreements:
• The collective agreement for customer service, traffic management and control, and administrative and other clerical functions
• The collective agreement for locomotive drivers in rail transport