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Finnish trade union angle
on globalisation: Everything
at stake - safeguarding interests in a world without frontiers Mental illness responsible for 3,000 early retirements annually Helsinki (29.10.2001 - Juhani Artto) Each year 3,000 Finns retire because of mental illness. This means that such early retirement annually affects more than one person in one thousand in working life. Only rheumatic and motor disorders play a bigger role in early retirement. Mental illness has become the single largest category of reasons for sick leave, accounting for 60 per cent of all time spent off work for medical reasons. Experts estimate that about 200,000 of the million plus rank and file members of SAK trade unions suffer from mental problems during at least one period in their working lives. Women suffer from mental disorders slightly more frequently than men in Finnish working life. No age-specific characteristics have been verified. There is a clear connection between the increase in mental illnesses and growing insecurity and demands in working life. Workplaces are no longer sources of security in life, and it has become more difficult to get a job. All of this makes people more vulnerable to depression and other mental disorders. The trade unions have a positive role to play in combating this problem. The general struggle for decent working conditions is part of the answer to this growing challenge. The unions also advise their activists and other members about the nature and dangers of mental illnesses. A - The trade union magazines published articles on this problem to coincide with the period around last October 10th - Mental Health Day. Educational materials emphasise the responsibility of the entire working community. Both employers' representatives and workmates are responsible for helping anyone who shows symptoms of mental unbalance. Their workload and context must be properly adjusted to avoid exacerbating the problem. Often the person actually suffering from mental weaknesses cannot recognise the symptoms. In such cases colleagues can assist the sufferer to contact a mental health specialist and advice can be sought for the entire work organisation in how to react wisely to developments. The earlier this happens, the better the outcome for the person living through such a difficult period. When a person suffering from mental illness returns from sick leave it is the responsibility of everyone at the workplace to provide support. This is especially important because work can be an effective therapy in itself. The longer a period of sick leave continues, the bigger the risk becomes that depression will lead to permanent incapacity to work. Even after returning to work following depression-induced sick leave it takes months to recover completely. Experts consider that incorrect attitudes towards people suffering from mental illness are not as prevalent in Finland as they once were. However, both union activists and employers still have much to do in educating working communities to fully understand the problem and react to it in the right way. |
Occupational safety and
health in Finland, Socius 2-2001 (pdf-file) Ten years of working conditions in the European Union, Eurofound's research summary (pdf-file) In terms of real property, one Finland equals two Nokias, Helsingin Sanomat 08.01.2001 The growth of the Finnish economy did not eradicate unemployment, Helsingin Sanomat 03.01.2001 Only one Finn in nine actually retire as late as 65, Helsingin Sanomat 02.01.2001 Incomes policy agreement approved; The incomes policy agreement in a nutshell;The economic backgrounf of the incomes policy agreement SAK 15.12.2000 Collective bargaining in Finland 1999-2000, Pekka Sauramo, Labour Institute for Economic Research, Helsinki (pdf-file) Working environment greater cause of absenteeism than lifestyle Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 05.12.2000 New job creation down 50 % this year Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 01.12.2000 Made in Hong Finland Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 28.11.2000 Bars and restaurants among Finland's most hazardous work places Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 27.11.2000 Finland faces labour shortage in all sectors in 2005 Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 23.11.2000 New two-year incomes agreement announced Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 17.11.2000 Increased disparities in wealth distribution Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 09.11.2000 Floating shopping centers might become a thing of the past Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 24.10.2000 SAK member unions vote to go with two-year wage deal Helsingin Sanomat International Edition 03.10.2000 National Economy and State Finances Ministry of Finance Occupational Safety and Health Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Dispute highlights threats to Finnish seafarers' jobs eironline Strikes break out as bargaining round nears conclusion eironline "Barometer" examines industrial relations in Baltic states eironline Strike levels fall in 1999 eironline Action programme launched to promote "ability to cope" at work eironline SAK computer campaign proves successful eironline European working time conference held in Helsinki eironline
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