Structure of the Union

According to the statutes of the Finnish Metalworkers' Union the Congress convenes every fourth year. The Congress delegates are elected by a proportional election. The ballots are secret and conducted on the principle of universal and equal franchise.

The nomination of candidates and the formation of electoral alliances mostly reflect the division of the Finnish labour movement into Social Democrats and Left-Wing Alliance members, although other political groups have also put candidates in the Congress ballots.

The National Council, which is elected by the Congress, has the ultimate power in decision making between congresses. The National Council consists of 56 lay members who are in employment in the metal industry. The National Council makes decisions on a variety of matters, including activity plans and the Union's budget

The Congress also appoints the Executive Committee which consists of 20 members. Two of these are fulltime union officials, namely the President (Riku Aalto) and the Secretary (Matti Mäkelä). The other 18 are lay members.

The ratio of political representation amongst the Congress delegates is observed in the appointments to the National Council and the Executive Committee. They consist of Social Democrats and representatives of the Left-Wing Alliance. The Social Democrats are in majority.