Lobbying for our growing international membership
In August, trade union confederation Akava commented on the results of the Finnish government’s budget workshop. Among other things, our confederation took once again a clear stance on the government’s immigration policies regarding international highly educated specialist work force. The amount of first-time residence permits for specialists was over 20 per cent lower in Q2/2024 than Q2/2023 (348 → 276). This is not good news for the research, development and economic growth aspirations of the Finnish society and industries.
Loimu’s stance is clear in this matter. Like our confederation Akava, we feel strongly that the government needs to reassess its immigration policies especially when it comes to attracting highly skilled international specialists to the Finnish job market. Dwindling specialist immigration numbers are a threat to the base of our economic growth in the future.
Loimu is growing as a union of highly educated professionals in sectors based in natural, environmental and forestry sciences. With over 17,000 members we are now the 9th largest member union out of the 36 Akava member unions. The number of our international members is growing even faster than the domestic membership. About 25 per cent of our new full members in 2023 – 24 have been international members. We welcome you all with open arms and we are committed to providing high quality services to each and every one of you, whether it concerns wage increases through collective bargaining, support at the work place, work related legal advice, career services or wide variety of trainings and different kinds of member events, or even a cheaper bank loan you can get from Danske Bank as an Akava union member.
The government took a step in the right direction when it prolonged the time a specialist can, in case of becoming unemployed, continue living in Finland. At the same time, an increase from three months to six months is insufficient. We must keep in mind that the recruiting processes for specialist jobs may take months. At Loimu, we will continue our lobbying efforts for a more rational immigration policies concerning international highly educated specialists.
Mikko Salo
Executive Director, Loimu; Board Vice Chair, Akava