Our objectives and how we work
The key task of the Finnish Medical Association is to protect the interests of the medical profession. Good working conditions for medical doctors and a well functioning system also produce the highest quality and most cost-effective care for patients.
We work for the benefit of all doctors
We act as a promoter of the interests of medical doctors in issues related to earnings development and working conditions.
We work to further our objectives both nationally and regionally, and promote a good working life for medical doctors both at the system level and by supporting in individual situations. Personal advice provided by our lawyers and the support of workplace shop stewards are important parts of protecting the interests of doctors.
Our interest promotion work also includes improving the working conditions of medical doctors and influencing the regulations according to which they do their work. This is why we actively influence healthcare legislation, the health insurance system, and education and labor policy through e.g. statements and multi-level discussions.
The goals of our interest promotion work are decided by the Board of the Finnish Medical Association, which includes doctors from different sectors. Every medical doctor has the opportunity to influence the content of interest promotion work through regional committees.
We are an independent negotiator
The Finnish Medical Association has an independent negotiating position in the negotiation of the collective agreement for doctors (Lääkärisopimus). We participate in the negotiation activities of the state and universities as part of JUKO (Negotiation Organisation for Public Sector Professionals).
The negotiation activities are carried out by the Finnish Medical Association’s labor market department (Työmarkkinatoimiala) and negotiating lawyers.
Promotion of earnings development
- Sufficient earnings during normal weekly working hours
- Working time and compensation models for on-call services should be developed that support coping at work and encourage participating in on-call service
- The development of the earnings of employed doctors should be secured
- The independent negotiating position of the Finnish Medical Association should be maintained
Promotion of professional interests
- Improving and developing the conditions and remuneration related to doctors’ work
- Securing the conditions for independent professional practice
- Functioning information systems
- Improving doctors’ coping at work, for example by developing the on-call system.