Increase in the Number of Projects in Neighbouring Countries:
During a Period of Change, Co-operation is of Benefit for Everybody

Finnish employees do not have an indifferent point of view concerning, what kind of democracy in working life exists and in which way the labour markets operate, in those countries which are close to us. Finland has almost limitless possibilities to develop trade and economic co-operation with Russia. Joint ventures, which operate next to the border, on either side of it, bring our countries' working life closer, irrespective of e.g. Russia's relationship with the European Union.

Estonia and the other Baltic countries have applied for membership of the European Union. The next expansion of the European Union will occur during the beginning years of the next millennium. At that time, it is completely possible that, e.g. Estonia will become a member of the European Union and will become a part of the EU's single labour market.

Pay and Labour laws Must Become Comparable

From the point of view of developing domestic collective bargaining operations, for developing pay policy and for developing working life, it is problematic if the pay levels of employees, in the areas or countries which are close to Finland and which are comparable both professionally and educationally, deviate substantially from the pay levels prevailing in Finland. It is even more problematic if, the labour legislation and compliance with it, the agreements and the agreement system itself and membership of the trade union movement, are in disorder, in our neighbouring countries. The smooth operation of both the labour market system and labour relations, which are based on agreements, are fundamental characteristics of a democratic society.

Education is of Vital Importance

In addition to the different forms of operational support, co-operation between SAK's affiliated member unions and our neighbouring countries also includes, in particular different forms of education. By utilising this form of operation, the intellectual know-how, the basis for organising and the readiness for practical collective bargaining operations of the trade unions and the central organisations in Finland's neighbouring countries, will be enhanced. At the same time, such kind of co-operation and information network will be created between Finland and the trade union movement from our neighbouring countries, which will provide a more general benefit also in international collective bargaining.

Education is provided both in Finland and in our neighbouring countries. In practice the education which is provided to many individuals and organisations is often arranged by many organisation together and in addition the financing of the education can often come from many different sources. Finland's trade union movement has, up until now, carried out co-operation work with its neighbouring countries utilising its own resources. In other words with the subscriptions fees it collects from its own members. However, in recent times, it has been possible to utilise the financing of projects (Phare, Tacis), which is provided by the European Union for this type of activity and in the future it is expected that investments by Finland's State in this type of operation, which is vital from the point of view of the whole of Finnish society and its economy, will increase.

The Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland SASK as a Co-operation Partner

Recently, the project know-how of The Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland SASK has begun to be used in the practical implementation of co-operation projects. SASK, which has specialised in development co-operation projects, has expanded its co-operation activities in neighbouring countries and co-ordinates and helps SAK and its affiliated member unions to organise and plan projects and to help them obtain financial support for them.

Turo Bergman