Commerce Sector Collective Agreements to Remain in Force Until the End of the Agreement Period

Under the collective agreement settlement reached in 2025, the Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM agreed to review, by the end of November 2026, the implementation of the objectives of the collective agreements as well as the economic and employment outlook in the commerce sector. Based on this review, either party would have had the option to terminate the agreements with effect from 31 January 2027.

The Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM conducted the agreed review on 25 September 2026. Following the review, the parties jointly concluded that the collective agreements will not be terminated and will instead remain in force until the end of the agreement period on 31 January 2028. As a result, employees in the commerce sector will receive the previously agreed 2.4 per cent pay increase on 1 May 2027.

Extension of the Agreement Period Brings Predictability and Industrial Peace

Sales in the commerce sector and the Finnish economy have shown signs of recovery, but employment continues to develop weakly. Uncertainty therefore remains in the operating environment, which is why both parties consider it important that the collective agreements continue as agreed.

“A long agreement period provides predictability and industrial peace for both companies and employees while allowing companies to focus on developing their operations,” says Anna Lavikkala, Director of Labour Market Affairs at the Finnish Commerce Federation.

“We had a thorough discussion with the Finnish Commerce Federation about the situation in the commerce sector and employment. We carefully considered our decision and chose to continue the agreements because the economic outlook, and especially employment prospects, remain uncertain. The previously agreed pay increase provides certainty for employees and visibility for companies in the sector,” says Annika Rönni-Sällinen, President of Service Union United PAM.

Focus on Joint Development Work During the Third Agreement Year

The Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM have carried out significant joint development work throughout the agreement period. A key project has been the reform of the pay system under the Collective Agreement for the Commerce Sector, which will enter into force in its entirety on 1 October 2026.

When reviewing the continuation of the agreement period, the organisations assessed the implementation of the reforms and the progress of joint working groups. The parties have received questions and feedback from workplaces regarding the introduction of the new pay system.

The pay system reform is a historically significant and demanding change. The parties emphasise that successful implementation requires cooperation and dialogue in workplaces. Considerable work has already been carried out in preparation for the reform, and both parties encourage workplaces to continue this work despite any challenges that may arise.

The involvement of employees and shop stewards is also important in implementing the reform in practice. The impacts of the reform can be assessed more comprehensively once it has been fully implemented and sufficient practical experience has been gained.

Further Information

Anna Lavikkala
Director of Labour Market Affairs
Finnish Commerce Federation
Tel. +358 40 040 6088
anna.lavikkala@kauppa.fi

Annika Rönni-Sällinen
President
Service Union United PAM
Tel. +358 50 378 0270