Union envoy
Are you interested in multilingual and multicultural activism to defend the rights of foreign workers, to increase their knowledge of Finnish working life and to help them organize? If so, you should join our network of Union Envoys!
What?
Union Envoys are a network of volunteers aiming to raise awareness about workers’ rights in Finland, the Teollisuusliiton Hermes app and the benefits of joining a union especially among workers of a foreign background. Union Envoys are coordinated by the Foreign Labor Unit of the Industrial Union.
Becoming a Union Envoy is an easy and low-threshold way to take part in the union’s activities and to network with likeminded members of all backgrounds. Both foreigners and native Finns are welcome to join.
Why?
Workers of a foreign background are under greater risk of exploitation in Finland, and their conditions of employment are statistically worse than those of native Finns. Despite this and many other difficulties faced by migrant workers, the percentage of union members is lower among workers with a foreign background than among native Finns.
As we often lack the necessary language skills, social networks and personal experience to reach workers of a foreign background, we are asking our members to assist us in grassroots activism.
How?
Union Envoys are free to decide what kind of activities to participate in, and how much of their time and energy to dedicate to them, with no binding commitments. Volunteers are encouraged to come up with their own ideas and to co-operate with each other to further the network’s goals. Union employees may also suggest ways to help in accordance with your own skills and interests.
The Industrial Union will provide Union Envoys with training in multiple languages, an online forum to network and plan activities, guidance and materials. An annual gathering will be held to thank the volunteers for their time and efforts.
If you are interested in becoming a Union Envoy, or if you have further questions, send us a message at [email protected].
Training
In the fall 2025, we are arranging online training for those interested in becoming Union Envoys in five languages. All the trainings will take place at 17:30 – 19:30 on Teams:
- 25.11.2025: Finnish
- 26.11.2025: English
- 27.11.2025: Ukrainian
- 2.12.2025: Russian
- 2.12.2025: Estonian
If you’re interested in participating, send us a message at [email protected] and let us know, which training you would like to attend.