Ombudsman for Equality

Harassment in the activities of labour market organisations

Any practices of labour market organisations or other organisations representing labour market interests that result in a person becoming a victim of sexual harassment or harassment on the basis of gender are deemed to constitute violations of the prohibition of discrimination. However, labour market organisations only become liable when harassment is brought to their attention.

Labour market organisations are responsible for taking steps to stop harassment once a statutory representative of the organisation in question has been informed of the matter. Failure of an organisation and its official representatives (president, members of the executive council) to take appropriate action to stop any reported harassment constitutes a violation of the Finnish Equality Act.