Employee representative support in the private sector

The shop steward or elected representative provides advice and support

In companies and associations that are within the scope of collective agreements, our members are supported by a shop steward whose position is established by the applicable collective agreement. The term of office is typically two years.

In the private sector, most of our members’ collective agreements are negotiated by the Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff YTN. This means that our members who are elected as shop stewards support members with YTN’s mandate.

Under Akava Special Branches’ own collective agreements (link), the shop steward acts with our union’s mandate.
There are workplaces in the private sector that are not within the scope of a collective agreement and which therefore do not have a shop steward. In such workplaces, the employees can elect an elected representative from their ranks. This right is based on the Employment Contracts Act.

Omaluottamusmies (ytn.fi)