Meet our professionals at work
Some 800,000 individual members belong to SAK-affiliated trade unions, including childminders, airline cabin crew members, bus and coach drivers, waiters, security guards, construction workers, paper industry process managers, electricians and dancers.
Every month we release a new video featuring one of these union members talking about their working day. The videos are subtitled in English. You can display subtitles by clicking the gear button in the video settings.
Anton Manninen (30)
There are many ways in which home cleaning work can help to ease the everyday lives of older folk. Anton Manninen finds variety and meaning in his work.
- Anton is a responsible home support worker at Topakka Emäntä.
- He is a member of Service Union United PAM.
“I joined PAM even before taking this job, and I also recommend it to others. The more members we have, the better service we get and the greater influence we can exert at work. My recommendation has also persuaded at least one workmate to join the union. I am involved in the activities of PAM for young adults, and I have attended many SAK youth events. These events have helped me to make many new acquaintances and friends.”
Elisa Kivinen (34)
Elisa Kivinen sees things at work that many people would prefer to ignore. Working with the most vulnerable people in society means providing a tangible presence, and can ideally be very rewarding.
- Elisa is a project worker at Mansikka Cultural Workshop, an activity of the Southern Finland Clubhouses Association (ESKOT). This initiative promotes the status of individuals who are in mental health rehabilitation or in need of psychosocial support at seven locations.
- Elisa is a member of the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL).
“Even back when I was a student, it was always clear that I would join the union. There were some instances of malpractice in employment at my earlier workplaces, and these gave me an ingrained conviction concerning the need to defend not only my own rights, but also those of my colleagues and workmates. A sense of injustice can be a powerful motivator. I have been involved in union activities for young adults in Southeast Finland, representing the region at the JHL youth forum. I am entitled to attend and address the union’s delegate council.”
Roope Rasi (29)
Helsinki-Vantaa is one of the busiest airports in the Nordic countries. Roope Rasi identifies people seeking to cross the border with nefarious intent.
- Roope serves as a Border Inspector at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, and has worked for the Finnish Border Guard since 2021.
- He is a member of the Border Security Union (RTU).
“I am President of the local RTU branch for the Gulf of Finland. A high organising rate gives us the most effective leverage against the employer if collective bargaining breaks down and industrial action is needed. Legal assistance from the union is also important if individual members ever face proceedings for using physical force in the line of duty.”
Vilma Jää (29)
Vilma Jää creates music that promotes folklore, making people aware of their roots.
- Vilma is a musician-composer who has been self-employed since 2023 at Jäähile Oy, a limited company operating in the field of performance, composing music and lyrics, arranging and producing, and the sale and marketing of associated products.
- She is a member of the Finnish Musicians’ Union.
“One important benefit that I have enjoyed as a rank and file member of the Musicians’ Union is access to legal assistance.”
Satu Holm (30)
The Customs Authority provides an effective response to criminal offences in the spheres of finance, taxation and the environment. As a financial investigator, Satu Holm works to prevent billions in common tax funds from falling into the hands of criminals.
- Satu has worked at the Customs since 2019, and is currently a Senior Customs Inspector and financial investigator.
- She is a member of the Finnish Customs Officers’ Union.
“Union membership is effectively part of the job description. With everything happening in the modern world, the union has provided a lot of general support and security. I have enjoyed cultural support and other union benefits a great deal, including theatre and museum visits that provide a good counterbalance to the demands of the job.”
Marko Koivuranta (38)
Work in paper processing differs wildly from the popular imagination. Marko Koivuranta is a Roll Packer, responsible for ensuring that products reach the customer in prime condition.
- Since 2009 Marko has worked at the Walki Oy mill in Valkeakoski, which manufactures packaging materials and products for the construction industry.
- He is a member of the Finnish Paper Workers’ Union.
“The organising rate has always been high in the paper industry. At our very first internship, we were taken to the office of the chief shop steward to complete a membership application. I am now President of our union branch, deputy chief shop steward at this mill, and shop steward of my department.”
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.”
Rebecca Toivonen (30)
Arriving on time at the correct destination, and with the right documents, is essential both for airliners and their passengers. Rebecca Toivonen works in passenger services to ensure smooth logistics at Helsinki–Vantaa International Airport.
- Rebecca has served as a Passenger Service Supervisor and Gate Coordinator at Aviator Airport Services Finland Oy for 12 years.
- She is a member of the Finnish Aviation Union IAU.
“I have been departmental shop steward here for four years. Our organising rate is high, and we are a very active union with considerable influence despite our small size. We assist our members in issues of all kinds, such as verifying that their salaries are correctly calculated. My leisure time interests include scouting, and I have learned to take responsibility since I was 15 years old.”
Joona Natunen (25)
A hundred thousand parcels pass through the Finnish Post Office logistics centre every day. Many of them would never be delivered without the work of Joona Natunen.
- Joona has worked as a Sorter at the logistics centre since 2020.
- He is a member of the Finnish Post and Logistics Union PAU.
“Union membership has helped me resolve difficulties over such matters as pay and job descriptions. I have attended union winter events and shop meetings where we review current employee issues.”
Jemina Lindqvist (23)
The M/S Finnmaid is a vessel for cargo and passengers, each of which must be properly accommodated. Jemina Lindqvist works to ensure that these onboard facilities are in tiptop condition.
- Jemina has worked in various seafaring capacities at Finnlines since 2019, and is currently a Cabin Refurbisher on the M/S Finnmaid.
- She is a member of the Finnish Seafarers’ Union.
“I rely on the Seafarer’s Union to watch over our wages and rights at work. While I haven’t been especially active in union work, I do read the union newsletter and I think that summer chalet rentals are one example of a worthwhile membership benefit.”
Tatu Alari (24)
The life of a prison officer is not filled with hand-to-hand combat, but involves working intelligently with human beings. Tatu Alari helps to ensure that inmates have good prospects of returning to normal life in civil society.
- Tatu has served as a Prison Officer at the new Turku Prison in Saramäki since 2022.
- He is a member of the Finnish Prison Officers’ Association VVL.
“I joined the union because a practical partnership makes sense for both the staff and the employer. This is particularly important at our high-security institution. Support from a shop steward over issues like pay and conditions is just a phone call away.”
Jonne Lähde (31)
Modern access control systems are essential for safety in rail transport. As a qualified electrician, Jonne Lähde helps to give passengers peace of mind when travelling by train.
- Jonne has served as a Railway Safety Gear Fitter since 2014.
- He is a member of the Electrical Workers’ Union.
“I joined the union while I was still a student, and I have now served as a shop steward for three years. The organising rate in our shop is one hundred per cent, and it would be a sad day if we ever had to negotiate issues as individuals. The present government of Finland would like to divide and rule, but the strength of trade unions derives from good collective agreements, bargaining and solidarity.”
Jose Piironen (28)
Jose Piironen manages the flow of water in buildings. HVAC systems are an essential feature of modern life.
- Jose has served as a Plumber at Lämpökarelia Itä-Suomi Oy since 2017.
- He is a member of the Finnish Construction Trade Union.
“I was always sure that wherever I ended up working, I should join the union for that industry. I am now a branch president, a member of the union council and youth affairs task force, and a local shop steward. With holiday and other discounts, there is already much to gain from belonging to the union, and membership also brings career insurance through unemployment benefit.”
Riikka Hirvonen (40)
Riikka Hirvonen is a dedicated baker who helps to keep the nation fed.
- Riikka has served as a Baker at the Linkosuo Bakery in Kangasala since the early 2000s.
- She is a member of the Finnish Food Workers’ Union (SEL).
“It is vital that the union negotiates collective agreements and supports us in all issues. I also serve as an occupational safety and health representative. While this officially requires one and a half days of job release per month, I tend to respond to urgent business immediately when asked. I really don’t have the heart to tell anyone that their elected representative is unavailable today.”
Henri ”Henkka” Lindeman (39)
Henkka Lindeman’s videos cast light on issues of considerable concern.
- As a self-employed Videographer at Revo Film Oy since the beginning of 2024, Henkka works to provide virtual content for associations and businesses.
- He is a member of Theatre and Media Employees in Finland Teme.
“I am actively involved in union events and also a member of the Delegate Council of SAK. The union is like a second family to me: a community providing friends, support and security. Teme arranges numerous collective agreement seminars for freelancers, providing tips on working in the industry.”
Ella Jaakkola (25)
Silicon wafers make the world go round, and Ella Jaakkola is happy to work the night shift at the wafer factory.
- Since 2020 Ella has served as a Process Worker at the silicon wafer manufacturer Okmetic Oy.
- She is a member of the Industrial Union.
“I am a branch president and deputy shop steward of my department. These elected positions help to make my work interesting, and it is personally satisfying to be able to help people. I think it’s important that the union defends our rights as employees.”
Ville Ruotsalainen (35)
Ville Ruotsalainen is a source of daily human contact and joy for dozens of elderly people.
- Ville has worked as a Practical Nurse at the wellbeing services county of Vantaa and Kerava since 2022.
- He is a member of the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL).
“I have always belonged to a trade union, as unions defend the rights of employees. I have also benefited from union help in the past, especially in matters of pay. The union helped me claim substantial unpaid wages from one employer when confusion arose over bonuses.”
Berivan Suleiman (29)
Berivan Suleiman has challenged many stereotypes in her work as a Guard at a security firm since 2020.
- Berivan was elected Refugee of the Year in 2023.
- She is a member of the Service Union United PAM.
“I pride myself on earning positive feedback from people that I have been able to help. For example, many elderly clients visiting the social insurance institution have praised my work when I was able to advise them. Working as a security guard has given me greater confidence in myself.”
Sami Tukiainen (34)
Public transport is an essential feature of life in larger cities. Sami Tukiainen drives people safely to work and school.
- Sami has served as a Bus Driver for Länsilinjat Oy since 2022.
- He is a member of the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT.
“As occupational safety and health representative at my workplace, I try to stress the human element and help people to cope with their work. It is most gratifying for me personally if I can provide this support, and the employer also appreciates that staff wellbeing is crucial for good business.”
Find your own trade union
A trade union can help when you need support in the world of work. The Tradeunion.fi service will help you find a suitable union according to your industry or the name of your workplace. Find your own union and join today!
