Negotiations concerning the collective agreement of the universities of applied sciences began today, 30 January, as the current agreement expires on the last day of March. The negotiations cover both so‑called text issues and salary increases.
In today’s first negotiation meeting, we reviewed the economic situation as well as salary statistics for the sector. The parties also exchanged their negotiation objectives. The next negotiation meeting is on Monday, February 2nd.
Regarding salaries, we aim for a salary solution that supports purchasing power. The salary solution must also include a sufficiently large general increase that applies to everyone.
In addition to salary increases, collective agreements define several key terms of employment called as ”text issues” that are often mistakenly assumed to come directly from legislation. In the agreement valid until the end of March, we have negotiated, among other things, the following terms:
- Holiday bonus
- Paid sick leave also after nine days
- Paid parental leaves
- The possibility to care for a sick child at home for a few days without losing salary
- A shop steward chosen by employees and supported by YTN
In the upcoming negotiations on text issues, our objective is to retain the benefits already achieved and to further improve the terms of employment and the position of senior salaried employees.
The Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff YTN and the Trade Union of Education OAJ are representing the employees in the negotiations. The employer side is represented by Finnish Education Employers (FEE).
From YTN, our negotiation team consists of Susanna Hernberg, Julia Lauren and Mikko Sormunen.
Updates on the progress of the negotiations will be provided, among other channels, on the sector’s own webpages and by email.
Follow the negotiation situation here