ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The minimum wage of cleaners and maintenance staff is to increase in Finland by over 20 per cent, following an agreement reached by the employers' association and the Service Union United.

Thanks to the new payment system to be introduced at the beginning of next year, the minimum wage will increase by over 20 per cent over five years. The aim of this increase is to improve the sector's competitiveness in the labour market and improve service quality for customers.

Kari Virta, country manager for leading services contractor ISS Finland, commented: "The growing sector needs motivated and competent employees.

We are confident that this solution will bring even more skilled and educated labour to the sector. Cleaners and facility maintenance personnel, for example, will now reach the minimum wage level of other service industries."