Press releases

Finnish Commerce Federation for the Government's mid-term review:  Reducing the taxation of earned income and opening up the market to accelerate economic growth 

The Finnish Commerce Federation proposes measures to promote economic growth in the Government’s mid-term review. The federation emphasises reducing the taxation at all income levels and demands equal competitive conditions for online stores in relation to operators outside the EU. In addition, the federation proposes reforming regulations and promoting investments to support economic growth. 

Statement: Securing the future of vocational adult training

The Education Committee of the Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM are concerned about the impact of the cuts in vocational adult training and apprenticeships on the availability of skilled labour. Businesses and unions emphasise that our vocational training cannot withstand further cuts. Vocational degrees are essential for businesses and employees in the commerce sector from the point of view of the development of work tasks and competence.

Survey: Many domestic online stores are expecting international growth – competence and lack of funding are slowing them down

According to the Verkkokauppapulssi survey by Digital Commerce Finland, the Federation of Finnish Special Commodity Trade ETU and the Finnish Commerce Federation, the majority of online stores believe that their business will strengthen, especially in the domestic market, but international growth is also seen as a promising opportunity. However, the lack of competence and resources is slowing down the growth prospects.

The over-the-counter medicine reform must strengthen the consumer’s position and correct the distortion of competition

The government is currently preparing the liberalisation of the sale of over-the-counter medicines to improve the accessibility and affordability of medicines. The discussion on the reform has focused on securing the position of pharmacists. The Finnish Commerce Federation would like to highlight both the consumer’s perspective and the importance of competition neutrality.

After two years, online purchases made by Finns started to increase – Driven by foreign online sales 

Last year, online purchases made by Finns from domestic sources increased by two per cent and online purchases made by Finns from abroad grew by nine per cent. Health and cosmetics purchases increased particularly strongly, driven by various global trends and low-price foreign commerce. The share of foreign e-commerce of digital purchases made by Finns is over 37 per cent, while the volume of the domestic online store exports is seven per cent of their turnover. The development of consumer services has been forgotten in the government’s industrial policy.

Agreement reached on labour dispute in commerce sector - Negotiation result approved by the Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM 

Terms of employment and salaries of employees and supervisors in the commerce sector have now been agreed for a three-year period. The agreement period and pay agreement are in accordance with the so-called general policy. The salary increases will be 7.8 per cent over three years. The new collective agreements are valid until 31 January 2028.

Negotiation result for the commerce sector  

Today, on Tuesday, the Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM have reached agreement in the collective agreement and wage negotiations concerning the commerce sector. The solution will be discussed next in the administrations of both unions.  

Growth cannot be achieved without service sectors – quickly effective reduction of labour taxation at the heart of growth measures

Finland’s economic growth needs to be accelerated through the mid-term review's decisions. Service sector organisations are demanding that the government reduce labour taxation and take measures to improve productivity. Economic growth cannot be achieved without private service sectors which already account for more than half of GDP.