The shop steward in your own working place is the closest person to whom you can turn for help if you encounter a problem in your working place or if you need any other advice concerning your employment relationship.

The shop steward is someone who is elected by the members of the Finnish Seamen’s Union. His/her task is to monitor compliance with the collective bargaining agreements and the legislation. When problems connected with employment relationships are to be clarified in the working place, the negotiations will primarily be held between the shop steward and the employer’s representative. If the negotiations do not lead to a result, then a resolution to the problem is attempted through negotiations between the chief shop steward or an official of the Finnish Seamen’s Union and the employer. If neither of these methods resolves the matter, then a decision regarding the problem will be sought through negotiations between the Finnish Seamen’s Union and the relevant employer’s federation.

The shop steward receives from the Finnish Seamen’s Union support and education for the carrying out his/her tasks. The position of the shop steward is protected in the collective bargaining agreements as well as in legislation and any discussions held with the shop steward is confidential.