The historic achievement in the round of negotiations held in spring 2025, in particular, was highlighted as a reason for granting the award. At the time, Tehy successfully negotiated to include a provision promoting breastfeeding in the collective agreements for wellbeing services counties and municipalities.
The provision negotiated by Tehy safeguards the right of the parent of a child under the age of one to breastfeed or pump milk during working hours. The provision is based on the Maternity Protection Convention of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and it is the first of its kind in Finnish collective agreements.
– As a mother, midwife, breastfeeding counsellor and president of a trade union in a female-dominated sector, I’m greatly honoured to accept this recognition awarded to Tehy. I’m proud of our important achievement in the spring negotiations. Paid breastfeeding breaks should not only be based on the goodwill of the employer, says Tehy President Millariikka Rytkönen.
Rytkönen gives a big thank you to Local Government and County Employers KT, particularly its CEO Henrika Nybondas-Kangas, for promoting breastfeeding.
– It’s shameful that Finland has not ratified the ILO Maternity Protection Convention. Our legislation does not safeguard the right to breastfeed during working hours, but public sector employers set an example during the round of negotiations this spring by enabling a more equal distribution of family leave and allowing for breastfeeding or pumping during working hours. I consider this to be an important act of equality. The Finnish Association for Breastfeeding Support says that Tehy’s long-term and goal-oriented work to strengthen the position of breastfeeding has also demonstrated the organisation’s solid expertise in health promotion issues.
Developing working life to be supportive of breastfeeding is important both for public health and the economy. Moreover, it promotes a more even distribution of parental leave.
Through this award, the Finnish Association for Breastfeeding Support expresses its thanks and congratulations to Tehy for the organisation’s persistent and successful work for breastfeeding and a family-friendly working life.
The Breastfeeding Promotion Award is presented annually to a person, organisation or operator that has made a significant contribution to the promotion of breastfeeding.
Enquiries: Tehy President Millariikka Rytkönen, requests for interview through Special Advisor Mila Huovinen, [email protected], tel. +358 400 540 005.