Thai berry pickers to work under new labor agreement in Finland

If Thai berry pickers arrive in Finland this summer, they will be working under a new labor agreement between the Rural Employers Association and the Industrial Union. This is the first time such a collective agreement has been applied to the rural agricultural sector. The agreement establishes terms including minimum wages, maximum working hours, and rest periods. Furthermore, a separate interpretation protocol for berry pickers outlines the obligations of both employers and employees, detailing which costs can be passed on to workers and which are the employer’s responsibility. Typically, workers are expected to cover their own flight tickets and residence permit fees, although employers can opt to reclaim these expenditures from them.

According to Kristel Nybondas, CEO of the Rural Employers Association, localized agreements regarding additional working hours must be signed by both associations before being finalized at the workplace. While 24-hour working days for the pickers are not feasible, the agreement allows for long workdays as long as they are compensated accordingly. Most pickers prefer longer shifts when it translates into higher wages.

Additional work means that, upon consent, a picker may work up to six days a week with 11-hour days without overtime pay. This could total as much as 26 extra hours in a week above a standard 40-hour schedule. Overtime compensation is required for hours worked beyond this.

The collective agreement guarantees a minimum hourly rate of €9.61 for foreign berry pickers, with potential earnings increasing to at least €11.53 based on productivity. Thai authorities have requested detailed assurances about the income of their workers in Finland, as many pickers can earn tax-free income for this temporary work period.