Students received legally flawed berry-picking work package

A work information package on wild berry picking sent to students at Karelia University of Applied Sciences contains several legal issues, according to emeritus professor of labour law Seppo Koskinen.

The package, distributed by project manager Sanna Jeskanen in late May, outlined summer work opportunities picking berries in Pudasjärvi, Northern Ostrobothnia. Over 120 students expressed interest, and those who did were sent a Finnish-language “Picker’s Information Package” to review before submitting a motivation letter. Foreign students were expected to translate the document themselves.

Koskinen identified the most serious problems as the omission of any mention of minimum or guaranteed wage, the statement that employment would automatically terminate if picking speed repeatedly fell below normal, and the claim that no pay would be provided on rainy days.

The package was drafted by entrepreneur Mikko Heickell, who described it as preliminary material intended to illustrate the practical nature of berry-picking work, not as a final job advertisement or employment terms. Heickell, who is seeking pickers for his company Pohjamonni, acknowledged he should have clarified the document’s purpose to avoid misinterpretation.

A police report was filed anonymously regarding the package, but authorities found no reason to suspect a crime. Instead, police recommended preventive guidance, in cooperation with supervisory authorities, to ensure proper implementation of employment relationships.

The issue is timely as the berry industry seeks new recruitment practices following last year’s amendments to the seasonal work law, which aim to prevent abuses. Earlier this year, the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority reported significant deficiencies in the working conditions of pickers during inspections.