Pam Magazine: Abuse under control

The number of cases of exploitation of foreign workers investigated by the police has increased significantly, indicates HEUNI's (European Institute for Crime Prevention) recent study Tuulikaapissa on tulijoita ("There are incomers in the wind chamber"). In 2012, there were 65 pre-trial investigations related to human trafficking, aggravated trafficking in human beings and extortionate work discrimination, while in 2007 there were 17.

"Statistics only reveal the tip of the iceberg, however, because the victims don't seek help very often. Foreign workers do not know their rights and they do not know where to get help," explains researcher Anniina Jokinen.

Some of the workers deliberately fail to report their problems to the police. They rather suffer from poor working conditions for 5 years, after which they are entitled to apply for permanent residence. An employee interviewed for the study says: "They want to keep their jobs and turn a blind eye to many things. Everyone is hoping that after suffering for 5 years you get a residence permit, and then the direction can change completely."

The study shows that occupational trafficking in human beings is linked to exploitation of workers and the black economy. In the restaurant industry abuse is related to systematic sale without receipt and illegal employment. In the cleaning branch, under-priced offers due to stiff competition and concatenated deliveries increase the risk of abuse in the downstream sector. Employers are usually motivated by money, and they do not belong to employers' associations.

"Current sanctions to address abuse are toothless," Jokinen says. She calls for the extension of the fine imposed on a corporation, or a company paid fine, from human trafficking crimes also to extortionate work discrimination and for the addition of prohibitions of business.

In order to prevent abuse, the research report also recommends the right of class action suits to trades unions, an increase in the number and resources of labour protection inspectors, as well as improvement of the awareness of the catering and cleaning services' buyers.

SAK (Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions) has decided to open an information desk for foreign workers that serves everyone regardless of whether they are members of a union or legally in the country or not.

Real Estate Employers' industrial policy expert Tiia Brax hopes that companies in the sector increase collaboration to prevent the black economy and abuse, and that subscribers also get involved.

"It is important that service subscribers understand the seriousness of the matter and that services cannot be bought at 15 euros per hour without some monkey business being involved," Brax says.

Josetta Nousjoki