Negotiating collective agreements is the trade union’s single most important task. AKT negotiates collective agreements (TES in Finnish) for a total of 17 agreement sectors. It also monitors compliance with collective agreements.
A collective agreement (TES) defines the conditions under which work is performed. The minimum terms and conditions included in the collective agreement are:
From the employee’s perspective, a collective agreement is always a better solution in many ways than what is stated solely by law. The key laws from the employee’s perspective are the Employment Contracts Act, the Working Hours Act and the Annual Holiday Act.
Collective agreements are negotiated by AKT and employer organisations. In organised companies, the employer belongs to an employer’s association. In these companies, collective agreements are complied with on the basis of a so called normal binding effect.
Employers who do not belong to an employer’s association comply with the collective agreement on the basis of the normal binding effect of collective agreements.
You don’t have to think through the intricacies of a collective agreement alone. Union representatives, union branch officials and AKT officials will help and guide you in employment matters.
AKT is a guardian of its members’ interests and a developer of working conditions. AKT issues statements when new laws are being prepared. It also maintains contact with other transport sector operators and legislators. AKT cooperates with international transport trade unions.
Generally binding collective agreements mean that all employers in the sector must comply with the provisions of the collective agreement. This means that everyone working in the sector must receive the same benefits. AKT’s generally binding standards are an important asset for employees.
AKT membership is a wise choice. Your most valuable asset is that your wages and working conditions are taken care of. As a member, you have access to AKT’s holiday homes, get discounted prices on insurance, boat trips and many more. You also get professional indemnity insurance. Best of all, you belong to a group of professionals working in the same field!