Election of a shop steward

A shop steward is elected in an election held at the workplace. At the same time, a deputy shop steward and, depending on the size of the workplace, shop stewards for departments are also elected.

All employees who are organized in the Industrial Union´s local union branch operating at the workplace have the right to stand as a shop steward candidate and vote in the election.

The right to organize elections at the workplace lies with the trade union branch or employees who belong to the workplace trade union. Election times and locations are agreed with the employer.

The shop steward’s term of office is two years. The next shop steward elections will be organized in the Finnish Confederation of Industry contract sectors in late 2026.

What if there is no shop steward at my workplace?

If there is no shop steward at the workplace, organized employees can organize elections together with their trade union branch at any time.

Instructions for organizing elections can be obtained from the regional centers, as well as detailed information on the duties and terms of office of a shop steward.

The Industrial Union trains shop stewards for their duties. The employer pays a salary for the training period.