In Finland a huge majority, i.e. 87 %, is of the opinion that difficulties in coping with workloads, and even burn out, currently constitute a major problem at work. Only 28 % think that productivity could be increased even further in order to be more competitive in the international market place.

These results were discovered during a survey on the present labour market climate, which was conducted by Finnish Gallup on behalf of SAK, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions. During August and September, 1021 Finns over the age of 15 were interviewed. These interviewees were representative of the population of that age group throughout Finland, with the exception of the Åland Islands.

The problem of coping with workloads is particularly significant amongst the members of SAK, at 91 %, and amongst those of STTK, the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees, at 96 %. Excessively tight work schedules were mentioned by 84 % of the members of AKAVA, the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Finland. Women are more concerned with the complications resulting from workload difficulties and cases of burn out, 92 % of them seeing this as an issue, whilst 81 % of men have a similar view.

Two thirds of Finns, or 67 %, consider it to be an unfair practice that good company results and good performance are of more benefit to company executives than they are to the workforce, through share option incentive schemes which significantly increase the earnings of those in management. Three quarters, or 76 %, are of the opinion that the employees should be awarded the same increases in earnings as are the executives. The SAK members are the most strongly critical of the share option schemes. The opinions recorded by this survey will no doubt increase the pressures of the next collective bargaining cycle.

The survey indicated that trust is still placed upon collective agreements. Among the interviewees 84 % believe that the terms and conditions of work, including wages and salaries, should be collectively negotiated and agreed upon for the reason that an individual employee cannot negotiate their own pay on an equal footing with the employer. The number of Finns who believe that the employee will be the loser, should pay and other terms of employment be agreed upon solely at the workplace, is 67%.

Welfare state valued - but new focus required on taxation

Four out of every five Finns, or 80 %, are of the opinion that it would not make sense to lower the rate of taxation if this in turn would mean a reduction in social security and a decline in public services. However, the number who support the idea of reducing taxes on wages and salaries and placing a greater emphasis on the taxation of property and capital, and on environmental taxes, is approaching the same figure, in this case 70 %. This is most strongly supported by both blue and white collar workers, the supporters of the left wing parties and those of the National Coalition Party. The members of MTK, the Central Organisation of Agricultural and Forestry Producers, along with the farmers, are against any change of taxation in that direction.

A majority of people think that competitive tendering in the public service sector is being taken too far if, as a result, there is a lowering of the pay level and the job security of the workforce. This was the opinion of 76 % of those interviewed. Just over one half, i.e. 53 %, regard competitive tendering for public services as being unnecessary.

The Finns are of the view that the trade unions are still the most devoted in the fight against unemployment. This is the considered opinion of 59 % of Finns. The Lipponen Government is regarded as being in second place when it comes to combating unemployment. Satisfaction with the Lipponen Government, as far as increasing employment opportunities goes, has risen from 41 % recorded last spring to the current 50 %. The position in the tables of employers in general is now that of third place, having overtaken that of President Ahtisaari.

Those aged under 35; students; and junior white collar workers form the group which considers that the trade unions are the leaders in the fight against unemployment. In this survey the Lipponen Government achieves its best ever rating. The Government is particularly popular amongst those aged under 34; people who live in the greater Helsinki area; and also senior white collar workers.

A figure of 43 % of Finns was shown to believe that employers are effective in reducing unemployment. This result is 9 % higher than last spring. Thus the employers have overtaken President Ahtisaari as a figure of 38 % emerged as currently believing that the steps taken by the President to reduce unemployment are effective. President Ahtisaari was previously in second place in popularity in this respect but after first dropping to third place is now in fourth place.

The measures against unemployment which were taken by the previous Government are held in high regard by one third, or 32 %, whilst 31 % hold a similar view of the current opposition. Exactly 25% of the population is of the opinion that the Bank of Finland provides efficient measures to combat unemployment. In comparison with a similar survey on the subject, which was conducted six months ago, all institutions with the exception of the opposition are now regarded by the general public as being more successful in their steps against unemployment than they were previously. It is likely that this result is a sign of general satisfaction with the improved rate of employment.