Social and health care and education professionals include, for example, practical nurses, nurses, radiographers, bioanalysts, childcarers, social workers, dental nurses, oral hygienists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Many of them have moved to Finland from abroad.
Tehy is Finland's largest trade union in the social care, health care and early childhood education and care sector. All professionals in these fields can join Tehy. See which professionals Tehy represents. (content in Finnish)
What is a trade union?
A trade union represents workers in a particular sector.
The union negotiates the collective agreement in the sector. This agreement sets out the general working conditions in the sector. These include pay, working hours, holidays and family leave. These matters are also governed by Finnish law, but the trade union negotiates a better agreement than the law on these matters.
Why you should join Tehy?
Tehy helps you with matters related to your work and your employment relationship. We can help if you do not understand your employment contract or suspect that your salary has not been entered on it correctly, for example. Learn more about Tehy’s member service.
In the event of a dispute or crime at work, a Tehy lawyer will help you for the cost of the membership fee, i.e. you only pay the Tehy membership fee. As a Tehy member, you are never alone. Read more about Tehy's legal service.
Tehy also organises training and events for its members. In addition to this, members enjoy discounted prices in many places, including on cruises. As a member of Tehy, you are covered by insurance at work.
Find out about Tehy’s benefits, training and events on the member benefits page.
Everyone has the right to belong to a trade union
In Finland, everyone has the right to be a member of a trade union or other association. This right is based on law.
It is safe to join a trade union. Finland has had trade unions for a long time, and more than one million workers in Finland belong to a trade union. In the social care, health care and education sectors, up to 80–90% of workers are unionised – in other words, almost all of them. Employers have their own unions.
Ask a colleague who is a member of Tehy for more information. You can also talk to a union representative at work. They help Tehy members and will be happy to tell you more about Tehy.
Join Tehy!
When you join Tehy, you also become a member of a Tehy local branch. The local branch is chosen based on either your employer, region or collective agreement. You are always welcome to participate in the activities of your local branch.
You can also stand for election as a union representative at your workplace. This will allow you to make a difference and change the world of work. Read the Tehy working life guidebook for more information.
Join online by completing and submitting the membership form or by giving us a call. See instructions on the become a member page.
Welcome aboard!
