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Firstly, these cases demonstrate that labor exploitation and human trafficking for forced labor occur in Finland. Secondly, the media coverage also indicates that labor exploitation is relatively well-recognized in Finland. Thirdly, the news indicates that authorities investigate reported incidents and that victims do receive help to defend their rights. This is not self-evident everywhere, not even in Europe nor in our neighboring countries.
Finland is a forerunner in the fight against exploitation and forced labor
At HEUNI, we have been researching labor exploitation and human trafficking for several years. In recent years, I have closely followed the efforts of the other Nordic countries to address this issue. My distinct opinion is that Finland is significantly ahead of its Nordic neighbors in preventing and combating labor exploitation. This is due to various factors, including the existence of specialized authorities, such as labor inspectors, with explicit mandates to address exploitation, as well as strong inter-authority collaboration and information sharing. However, I believe the most crucial reason is the Finnish approach and understanding of what exploitation means in concrete terms and how it manifests itself.
One of the most common misconceptions about labor exploitation, at least within the European context, is that exploitation would not look like regular work By this I mean the stereotypical thinking that exploitation requires direct coercion or even use of violence against victims. Over the years, it has been understood in Finland that the majority of victims of labour exploitation at least initially work entirely voluntarily. Many victims can move freely and may even travel to their home country during their employment.
The coercion and exploitation often consist of victims having to pay high fees, known as 'threshold fees', to secure a job in Finland. To cover these costs, victims frequently take on debt either in their home country or from their employer. This creates a situation where the worker is in debt or even in a situation of debt bondage, leaving them dependent on their job and employer. The "force" in forced labor is therefore often not physical but is much more subtle. There is a power imbalance between the victim and the perpetrator. The employer or his/her representative exploits the victim's weaker position to require the victim to work long hours or to withhold some or all of their wages.
Even though the situation in Finland is better compared to other countries, we still have work to do. Because victims are often unaware of their rights, they typically do not know how or do not dare to seek help on their own. Our recent study shows that exploited foreign workers still face significant challenges to access remedies and corrective measures.
Public authorities alone cannot solve the problem and that is why businesses have an important role to play
Why is this relevant for Finnish businesses? Public authorities alone cannot prevent all exploitation, and that’s why companies need to step up their efforts to tackle and prevent exploitation, as well as ensure that workers have access to remedies. In addition, constantly evolving corporate responsibility regulation places increasing requirements on companies to consider the human rights risks of their business conduct and their value chains. At HEUNI, we have developed concrete handbooks and guidelines for preventing and addressing labor exploitation and forced labor. We have also developed ethical guidelines for the recruitment of foreign workers in the agricultural and social sectors. We provide training and coaching for companies that want to strengthen their sustainability efforts to ensure that their own subcontracting does not lead to exploitation in Finland or elsewhere.
Unscrupulous actors are constantly finding new ways to make profits by exploiting vulnerable people. That is why we all have to work together to tackle exploitation more effectively. That is why it is essential for all of us to work together to take a stronger stand against exploitation. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to enhance your understanding of the risks of labor exploitation within your business.
Natalia Ollus, special contribution for the UN Global Compact Network Finland.
[1] Police uncover large scale employment agency scam targeting foreign workers | Yle News | Yle
[3] Kiinalaisten työntekijöiden epäillään joutuneen työperäisen ihmiskaupan uhreiksi - Poliisi
[4] Poliisi epäilee kahta henkilöä työperäisestä ihmiskaupasta siivousyrityksessä - Poliisi
[5] Berry picker testifies as human trafficking trial resumes in Lapland | Yle News | Yle