Membership
Persons working in the following sectors can join (link to Finnish page) the Metalworkers' Union:
- Technology industry
- Electronic and electrical industry
- Information technology
- Car sector and engineering
- Precious metals
- Sheet and industrial insulation
- Ore mines
- Mechanical forestry industry
- Energy branch
- Repair shops of the Defence Ministry
As a member of the Metalworkers' Union you are also a member in the Unemployment Fund of the Metalworkers.
Students and apprentices of the metal sector can join as student members.
Update your membership
Update your membership status with the treasurer of your local branch or the membership service. You can contact them through your shop steward.
The service number for updating your address or membership information, membership card and union fees is 020 77 41180.
It is important to keep up your membership especially if changes take place in your workplace. For example:
- you change your employer
- you switch over to another trade union
- you change your status from an employee to an entrepreneur
- you reach your pension status
- you move into another town
Remember to inform the Membership Register about any changes in your occupational title or status.
When you move into a new address and make a notice of removal to the Population Register the Membership Register of the union will receive information of this. In case you have refused for the Population Register to release your personal details please remember to inform the union register of any changes personally. The same applies for name changes.
Union fee
The National Council of the Metalworkers' Union decides annually on the amount of the membership fee. 2013 the fee is 1,75 per cent of your taxable income. The union receives 1,1 per cent of the fee and the Unemployment Fund 0,65 per cent. The Financial Supervisory Authority decides on the amount of the membership fee of the Unemployment Fund.
You can count your estimate fee on the calculator on the bottom of this page.
In most cases the employer deducts the membership fee from your wages according to the collection agreement.
The membership fee is deductable in the income taxation (Metalworkers' Union delivers the information directly to the tax authority).
In case the employer does not deduct the fee from your pay check you can sign a collection agreement with your local branch and pay the membership fee yourself directly to the union bank account with a reference number on the bank deposit form.
The service number for information on the employers' membership fee payments and records is 020 77 41190. Instructions (link to Finnish page) for employers and accountants.
Exemptions from the membership fee
Your local branch can apply for exemption from membership fees with resting membership rights during:
- studies
- military or civil service
- motherhood, fatherhood or parents' leave
- confinement
- invalidity pension
- unemployment pension
- unemployment with Kela allowance
Membership benefits
The most important benefit is connected to your employment and implies matters like wages, working time, holidays, days off, health and safety issues and the supervision of these interests. This includes also your possibilities to influence your own work.
The only institution to defend your interests is the trade union.
In the workplace the nearest defender of your interests is the shop steward. The union staffs in the head office and in the regional offices assist the shop stewards and the single union members.
As a member you are entitled to legal assistance.
The Murikka-Institute offers a variety of training opportunities.
The Metalworkers' Union offers the services of a lodge hotel Metallikero and a camping site Metalliranta. The union also offers many leisure time possibilities. Many local branches also have their own holiday facilities.
The membership card is also an insurance card for your leisure time and travels. The card implies many membership benefits. Your union has also negotiated many other additional benefits for you .
The periodical magazine Ahjo is sent to members in 16 issues a year, you receive a union calendar and you can subscribe to a labour movement newspaper at a favourable price.
As a member of the Metalworkers' Union you are also a member in the Unemployment Fund of the Metalworkers. This safeguards you in case on unemployment. Basic information on unemployment security is presented on TYJ's website (Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland).
Student membership
You can join the Metalworkers' Union as a student or apprentice if you are studying in a vocational school in the metal sector. As a student or apprentice you are exempted from membership fees.
A student or apprentice can take part in youth courses and different events organized by the Metalworkers' Union.
As a student you receive a student membership card. It entitles you to different valuable membership benefits. If you are working during your studies e.g. in the summer the student membership facilitates your regular membership in the union.
Exams
Students for basic degrees and training programmes are entitled to join the union as student members.
Engineering and metal sectors
Basic degree in engineering and the metal sector
- automation mechanic
- maintenance mechanic
- precision mechanic
- engineering mechanic
- machinist
- sheet smith/welder
- toolmaker
- cast maker
- casting modeller
HPAC sector
Basic degree in housing techniques
- HPAC mechanic
- technical insulator
Automotive and transport sector
Basic degree in the automotive sector
- car body repairer
- car painter
- car mechanic
Basic degree in the aerospace sector
- aircraft mechanic
Electrical sector
Basic degree in the electrical sector
- automation mechanic
- electronics mechanic
Finishing sector
Basic degree in the finishing sector
- anti-corrosive painter
- finisher
Other techniques and transport
Basic degree in watch making and micromechanics
- micromechanic
- watchmaker
Handicraft and industrial art sector
Basic degree in handicraft and industrial art
- artisan
- goldsmith sector
- metal sector