Finland: the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has a new president and turns a corner of its history

Great negotiating experience. Lauri Lyly studied to become an electrician and technician before getting a degree in corporate management. After being a staff representative at the Loviisa nuclear power plant, he became in charge of negotiations at the Finnish Electrical Workers’ Union in 1989, and general secretary in 1997. His career with the union truly began in 2004 when he was appointed at the head of the department in charge of bargaining. He is therefore very experienced in this area. Besides, he is one of the top-hand heads of the TEAM project (an important plan for a union merger in manufacturing). In his first speech as leader of SAK, Mr. Lyly insisted on the need to pay more attention to the concrete impact on the lives of ordinary workers and their families of any restructuring process affecting businesses. He also called for round tables with all the members of the federation before the fall. They are aimed at finding a consensus in preparation for the coming talks on job security, the safeguard of businesses and measures for workers’ buying power. For employers, Lauri Lyly, who will most likely be at the head of the confederation for seven years, is a reassuring choice. The social partners have negotiated two cycles of negotiations with him, and employers appreciate his quality as a negotiator.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

wouldn’t run for presidency during the next Congress which should be held in 2011.

Great negotiating experience. Lauri Lyly studied to become an electrician and technician before getting a degree in corporate management. After being a staff representative at the Loviisa nuclear power plant, he became in charge of negotiations at the Finnish Electrical Workers’ Union in 1989, and general secretary in 1997. His career with the union truly began in 2004 when he was appointed at the head of the depa

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...