Our work is based on the fundamental principles and rights of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in working life: freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, the prevention of discrimination related to work or occupation, and the right to a safe and healthy working environment.
Our pledge
We promise this: we build a fair working life for all, and we are a responsible actor in society. We take responsibility for a fair working life for all employees in Finland.
For us, responsible interest monitoring and interest representation means that we do not enter into collective agreements that would complicate the work of other unions, that our negotiation objectives are based on the views of our members, that we take possible gender impacts into account in collective bargaining and that we always exclude protection work from industrial action.
Social responsibility is at the heart of Pro's strategy
The core of our sustainability lies in improving our members' working conditions, livelihood, well-being, competence development, education, employment, diversity and equality. We strive for a safe working life, both in terms of mental health and working environment issues. We support the strengthening of change management and the fight against age discrimination and the grey economy.
We also influence internationally: EU legislation and initiatives, such as those relating to wage transparency and the reconciliation of family and work, have a direct impact on Finnish working life. Through international working groups, we have in time influenced, for example, the role of the employee in automation-sensitive fields and later on how the employer's responsibility will be defined in situations of remote work and intimate partner violence.
The indirect effects of Pro are widely spread through our members
It is important for us to ensure the fairness of the “double transition” of the green and digital transitions. Our mission is to help our members and employers understand the importance of a just double transition, drive relevant legislation and initiatives, and provide tools for what everyone can do to develop their own skills.
And it's not about just us, but the entire Pro collective force: our activists play a significant responsibility role: they challenge and support the management of companies in social responsibility. We continuously train workplace staff representatives to engage in sustainability dialogues at home and in international arenas.
1. Just Transition
We call for a just transition in which climate action is implemented so that workers and communities do not suffer unreasonably. This means, among other things, securing employment opportunities, retraining and social protection.
2. Investments in green technology and infrastructure
Significant investments in green technologies and infrastructure are needed to create new, sustainable jobs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Climate action in a socially sustainable way
Investments related to climate action take into account social aspects, such as workers' rights, decent working conditions and fair pay.
4. Training and competence development
Employees must receive the necessary training and retraining to move into new, green jobs.
5. Green jobs and quality working conditions
Green jobs must be of high quality, i.e. they must comply with the general terms and conditions of employment in the sector and workers' rights are respected.
6. Legislation at EU level
Legislation at EU level is needed to set binding climate targets and regulations to protect workers, for example to protect workers from extreme weather conditions such as heat.
7. Cooperation and dialogue
Fair and effective climate action requires cooperation and dialogue between the state, employers and workers. Tripartite climate work is needed.
8. Climate finance
Climate finance takes social justice into account and the funding is directed especially at those sectors and communities that are most affected by rapid structural changes.
Our cases
QVio was chosen as the new operator of our online store Prokauppa, because the company has a unique perspective on the entire life cycle of the products, from the selection of materials to the manufacturing process, logistics and final use. Approximately 90% of QVio's production takes place in Europe, which makes it possible to ensure high quality control and responsible practices. The company regularly visits production facilities. In addition, QVio also has a wide range of products manufactured in Finland.
For products manufactured further away, the carbon footprint and documentation of responsibility are ensured. Ecological options such as recycled materials and organic cotton are popular in material choices. Approximately 22 percent of Prokauppa's products (for example, beanies and reflectors) are made entirely in Finland, and in addition, part is labelled and printed in Finland.
We are constantly developing our product range, and the goal is, for example, to include the products of our members’ workplaces.
More information
The Pro Gender Equality Prize, which has been awarded since 2018, was mentioned as a good practice for promoting equality in a report produced for Eurocadres in 2024. According to an international report, the award has had a significant impact on raising awareness of workplace equality issues.
The prize recognises exemplary equality measures in the workplace, such as reducing the gender pay gap, improving work-life balance, implementing effective equality planning, and preventing and combating sexual and gender-based harassment.
Remote work complicates issues that have traditionally been related, for example, to occupational safety and time. How can you monitor teleworking, what is the insurance cover for remote workers, and tackle the challenges of remote working? Can AI be used to monitor employees?
The discussion around work ability and coping at work is also hot. At the same time, the Right to be Unavailable initiative is being prepared in the EU.
Equality and diversity issues are also topical: work-based immigration, age discrimination and equality issues more broadly.
For Pro, sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint. What matters are the things we do all the time - not the things we do from time to time.