Finland Times

Finnish trade union leaders demanded enactment of a law to ensure punishment of those who pay less than that of standard wages in different sectors as a minister suggested underpayment should be a criminal offence.

Finnish Trade Union (SAK) and Service Trade Union (PAM) representatives made the demand a day after the Finance Minister Jutta Urpilainen, in a column published on the website of MTV3 on Friday, suggested that the underpayments of wages should be brought under criminal act to ensure punishment.

The minister suggested for a provision for realizing fine from the under-payer as punishment.

The trade union leaders hailed the minister and said proper measures should be taken immediately to enact a law to ensure workers’ rights.

The director (Advocacy) of SAK, Nikolas Elomaa, said it is unfortunate that there is no legal provision to punish for paying salary below the minimum wage structure.

“Under payment of wages is endangering the workers income, which also depriving the society of taxes and other benefits,” said Nikolas, adding that  under waging is very common in construction, cleaning and restaurant sectors.

Service Trade Union (PAM) president Ann Selin said she is very happy with the suggestion made by the minister.

“Every year PAM deals with hundreds of cases where the workers are paid too little,” said Selin.