Shop steward elections – what, why and when?
This autumn, shop stewards will be elected for the upcoming term at workplaces covered by the Industrial Union’s collective agreements. The shop steward elections give employees the opportunity to elect their own representatives and influence the future of their workplace.
Why should a workplace elect a shop steward?
Terms of employment are better at workplaces that have a shop steward. A shop steward serves as a representative elected by the employees at the workplace and helps ensure that the employees’ voices are heard when workplace matters are being negotiated.
When are shop stewards elected?
Shop stewards will be chosen and any elections will be held at workplaces in November and December. Before the elections, candidates will be sought and nominated at workplaces.
Shop steward elections are an opportunity to strengthen the collective voice of the workplace, employee participation and the protection of employees’ interests.
Who can be a shop steward?
A member of the Industrial Union who works at the workplace in question for the company can be elected as a shop steward.
You do not need to be a seasoned expert to become a shop steward. The most important thing is the desire to help coworkers, improve conditions at work and act as a representative of the employees.
Who can participate in the shop steward elections?
Members of the Industrial Union can participate in the shop steward elections. Members of the Industrial Union can also run for the position of shop steward.
Participate and influence!
Election schedule
At workplaces covered by the Industrial Union’s collective agreements, shop steward elections and any other elections are generally held in November–December of even-numbered years.
If the position of a shop steward becomes vacant during the term of office, or if a shop steward is being elected for the first time at a workplace, the election may also be held outside the regular election period.a
Term of office
The term of office for shop stewards is two years. The term of office for the shop stewards elected in November–December 2026 will begin in the following year, in early January 2027.
A shop steward represents the employees at the workplace, serves as their collective voice and works with the team to advance the employees’ interests.
Eligibility to stand for election
Any member of the local branch of the Industrial Union who works at the workplace in question and is familiar with the conditions there can be elected as a shop steward.
Mid-term election of a shop steward
A shop steward can also be elected outside the regular election period. This may become relevant when there is no shop steward at the workplace or when the shop steward steps down from their position midway through their term, for instance. In that case, a new election will be held for the remainder of the term.
Electing a shop steward
The shop steward election begins with the nomination of candidates. The goal is to identify individuals who enjoy the trust of the other employees at the workplace and who are willing to serve as employee representatives during the upcoming term.
How the shop steward election works:How the shop steward election works:
1. Nomination of candidates
2. Selection or election
3. Carrying out the election
4. Confirmation of the result
Selection or election
The method for choosing a shop steward depends on how many candidates are running for the position. Candidates are nominated at a candidacy meeting held before the actual selection or election.
If there is only one candidate for the position, the candidate can be declared selected without a separate election.
If there are multiple candidates for the position, a shop steward election will be held. In the election, employees elect a representative from among themselves for the upcoming term.
The most important thing is to ensure that the workplace has a representative chosen by the employees and that all necessary positions of trust are filled. The shop steward works with the team to make the workplace better.
Carrying out the election
If there are multiple candidates, a shop steward election will be held. In the election, employees elect their representative for the upcoming term.
The election will be held at the workplace in accordance with the rules for organising elections. The goal is to ensure that all members have the opportunity to participate in the election of their representative.
You can find the rules for organising elections via this link
Election Committee
The candidacy meeting appoints an Election Committee for elections. Its role is to oversee the practical organisation of the election, provide information and confirm the results.
Voting rights and voting
The members of the Industrial Union who will be represented by the shop steward to be elected are eligible to vote in the shop steward elections. Temporarily laid off employees also have the right to vote.
Voting in the shop steward elections is carried out by a secret ballot. Every member eligible to vote must have the opportunity to participate in electing their own representative.
*Please note the provisions of the collective agreements
Shop steward elections are conducted in accordance with the Industrial Union’s rules for organising elections. In some sectors, however, the collective agreement contains specific provisions regarding the election of shop stewards that take precedence over the election guidelines.
Confirmation of the result
The election results will be confirmed by the Election Committee and announced at the workplace. Once the results have been confirmed, the employer and the Industrial Union will be notified of the elected shop stewards and preparations for the new term will begin.
Materials for the election of a shop steward
Printable and downloadable election materials are available at the material bank. Even thought the election material is also in English the material bank is only in in Finnish.
You can also order ballots and other materials for the election from the Union by using the material order form (in Finnish). Please note that the Industrial Union mails ordered materials only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
A shop steward makes the workplace better!
Shop steward elections are not just about choosing one individual. They are an opportunity to strengthen the collective voice of the workplace as well as employee participation and unionisation.
This is why it is important that every workplace has the opportunity to elect a representative for the employees.