SAK launches trade union internet portal

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In August 2000, the Finnish trade union confederation, SAK, signed a cooperation agreement with a private media company to establish an internet portal for trade unionists. The aim is to offer benefits to members via the internet and to increase interaction between members and unions.

In August 2000, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (Suomen Ammattiliittojen Keskusjärjestö, SAK) signed a cooperation agreement with a private media company on establishing an internet portal for trade union members. From January 2001, the new service will make it possible to: offer benefits to members by electronic means; increase the possibilities for members to provide feedback and communicate with SAK and its member unions; guide prospective members to the appropriate trade union; and deliver up-to-date information concerning the organisation to members. The service also aims to provide a wide range of information relating to employment and training and a forum for discussions concerning the labour movement and working life. The portal will focus especially on young people entering the labour market.

According to an SAK membership survey, conducted in spring 1999, over a quarter (26%) of SAK's 1 million members have access to the internet, over a fifth (22%) have their own e-mail address and 40% own computers. SAK has sought to increase the preparedness of its members for the "information society" through computer-ownership schemes, enabling many members to purchase a cheap home personal computer (FI9910123N). The organisation stresses the development of electronic communication in the future, and aims to have all SAK shop stewards on-line by 2003.