It is not self-evident to belong to a trade union, although it is very common in Finland. According to surveys, many people join the union because of the unemployment funds. Organising unemployment benefits is not the principal aim of trade unions, even though it was trade unions that started the unemployment funds.

Trade union represents it’s member employees. In the case of the Finnish Musicians Union, these are musicians, singers and for example dancers of the National Ballet.

Members define the duties of a trade union. Finnish Musicians Union aims at setting common working and pay conditions in various collective agreements. It is the most important duty of the union. Today, the Finnish Musicians Union has about 27 different collective agreements. These agreements could not have been made without organisation. Trade unions negotiate collective agreements representing the common will of it’s members. The possibilities of one person to do so are essentially weaker.

Musicians Union helps it’s members to control their copyrights and copyright related contracts.

Musicians Union has co-operation with other organisations, who have connections to the music field and who can help the union to reach it’s goals. Important partners include Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), copyright society Gramex and other artists’ interest groups.

Union gives it’s members legal aid in matters concerning employment, copyright and taxation. Also musicians working as entrepreneurs may receive legal aid from the union. The decision is made individually in every case. If a problem occurs, contact the union as soon as possible. A delay in wage collection can lead to a limitation of the action possibilities. Union lawyers and shop stewards are ready to help. If collective agreements have not been followed, it is not too late to collect the minimum wages even after the work has been done.

The most important information package about union action and current matters is the monthly Muusikko-magazine. It is meant for member opinions.

The union has a free-time accident- and passenger insurance for all it’s members, who are under the age of 70.

The fees for Musicians’ Sick Fund and Performers’ Unemployment Fund are collected with the union fee. You can apply for a daily allowance from the sick fund, if you loose your salary due to illness and can’t get any compensation from the National Pensions Institute or the employer. According to it’s rules, the sick fund also compensates dentist costs and gives financial aid for hearing examinations. It also compensates some hospital and health centre expenses. Membership fee of the Unemployment Fund is only collected from full-time members.

There are many grounds for belonging to a musicians union, activities of the local branches being one of them. By being active at your local branch you can influence many things, and - what’s most important - meet other musicians.