Trade unions
Remember to join the trade union for your sector!
A trade union defends and improves working conditions. As a trade union member, you’ll also receive support in difficult situations, such as disputes over pay or employment, through your shop steward and the union’s experts.
The union also offers legal assistance and advice where needed, ensuring that employees aren’t left to face the challenges of working life alone.
As a student, union membership is free, and you can even join more than one union – this allows you to familiarise yourself with how different unions operate, giving you time to choose which one feels right for you once your studies are complete!
Talentia
Talentia is Finland’s only trade union for university-educated professionals in the social sector – which is why you can be sure that we focus 100 per cent of our resources on you. Of all the trade unions, we are the one that knows the social sector and early years education inside out.
Special offer!
When you join Talentia and the Otte Unemployment Fund, or if you’re already a student member of Talentia and now join the unemployment fund as well, you’ll receive a 30€ Super Gift Voucher and the world’s most wonderful cat-themed overalls badge.
Campaign period: 2 May – 31 August 2026
Use the code ODIAKO26 when joining Talentia and you’ll receive the overalls badge!
DLT
The Union of Diaconal Workers, together with other church unions affiliated to Akava, works in particular to promote the employment rights of those engaged in the Church’s spiritual work. As an advocate for professional diaconal work, the DTL carries out unique work that no one else does.
Tehy
We are Finland’s largest trade union for graduates and students in the social, health and education sectors. We, the members of Tehy, share a common goal: we want to improve our pay, our working conditions and our working environment. We are a force for change and a champion of a better working life.
Special offer!
Tehy members get a 5€ discount on O’Diakon overalls! If you are a Tehy member, we will refund you 5€ off the price of the overalls or a long-sleeved top and overalls set when you collect them, or if ordering by post, please email proof of your Tehy membership to info@odiako.fi
TAJA
Akava Nurses and Taja ry is a national organisation representing the interests of those working in management and specialist roles within the social and healthcare sector, as well as students studying in the field.
JHL
The acronym JHL stands for the Union of Public and Welfare Sectors. We are Finland’s largest trade union for the public sector, with members representing around a thousand different job titles. JHL uncompromisingly defends the interests and rights of its entire broad spectrum of members in the world of work.
KNT
KNT is a trade union for those working in Christian education and youth work, as well as students in the field, which looks after the employment benefits of education workers.
We advocate on behalf of education professionals and students in the field, and we strengthen the position of Christian educational work within the Church and society.