Co-operation needed for the political state in Finland

The traditional political map formed again in last government election in Finland. The new political map can make upcoming negotiations of the employment collective agreement difficult. These negotiations held between the trade unions (in Finnish, ay-liike) and employers’ representative.

Finland's challenges before the elections were the same as now: a growth strategy at the national level must be created, employment increased, social exclusion have to be fight against, solutions to the problems of the state economy (in Finnish, talous) found, reform of taxation completed, public services secured and longer career paths supported. Finland should also have an EU policy that is credible.

In order to fulfill these great challenges, seamless co-operation between government and social organizations is needed. In the changing circumstances all parties should find ways to collaborate. Inability to cooperate eats the trade unions’ influence. However, there are problems between employers 'and employees' organizations, but also among trade unions.

For example STTK's chairman estimates that employers have been able to improve internal coordination better than the wage-earners side. In employees' side, each sector has managed lobbying on its own with no common goal. Cooperation has been much talked about, but little is to be seen.
The ability to cooperate is the only way to succeed in the long run. Otherwise, the employers’ side will set the rules, and trade unions can nothing but agree.