The European dimension of representation
JHL’s broad activities to safeguard members’ interests also contain a European dimension. JHL contributes to decisions made by the European Union that have a significant impact on the members.
Interest representation at the EU level is characterised by acting simultaneously in various forums. There are numerous co-operation partners both in Finland and internationally. A significant part of the representational work at the European level is carried out through the European Federation of Public Service Unions EPSU and the European Trade Union Confederation ETUC.
A great deal of the practical work relating to this European dimension is carried out in Finland. The union actively follows up the preparatory drafting work by ministries’ officials, national decision making by the government and the parliament, and any projects being carried out at the regional level.
The most important forms of co-operation in lobbying in the EU are co-operation with unions affiliated to the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK and collaboration with the office of Finnish employee unions, with FinUnions in Brussels, and with the Finnish Public Services Unions’ EU Working Party FIPSU.
The trade unions’ primary objective is to develop and consolidate the position and activities of the European labour market system. The key focus lies in the social dialogue, i.e. negotiations and agreements between the social partners both at sectoral and cross-sectoral levels. In addition, the social partners are heard in all matters concerning working life.
