The labour law violations reported in Finnish Lapland’s tourism sector are drawing scrutiny as the 2025–26 winter season begins, with Service Union United (PAM) and the Finnish Hospitality Association (MaRa) warning that some firms require unpaid training and even charge orientation fees, especially for foreign seasonal workers.
Unpaid training and orientation fees breach Finnish labour law
PAM’s regional office in northern Finland says workers have been ordered to attend mandatory orientations lasting up to several weeks without pay, and in some cases billed for them. Under Finnish rules, orientation ordered by the employer counts as working time and must be paid.
Requiring staff to arrive early for unpaid “training days” or to pay for onboarding violates collective agreements and basic labour protections.
Collective agreements in Lapland tourism set minimum pay
The hospitality and adventure services branches are covered by collective agreements negotiated by PAM and MaRa. These agreements set minimum wage levels, supplements for evening and night work, and procedures for resolving disputes. Companies operating outside these frameworks risk undercutting the sector and face potential compensatory claims.
Foreign seasonal workers face information gaps and extra costs
Most reported cases involve employees from abroad who travel to Lapland at their own expense and are unfamiliar with Finnish labour law and contract terms. Language barriers and the fast pace of peak season make workers more vulnerable to underpayment and illegal deductions.
Industry groups say clearer contracts and multilingual guidance at hiring are needed.
Inspections and court cases highlight enforcement
Authorities in Lapland have previously uncovered excessive hours, insufficient rest periods and underpayment among tourism employers.
Recent court rulings in the hospitality sector have ordered firms to compensate workers for unpaid wages and unlawful dismissals, signalling that violations can lead to significant liabilities.
MaRa: a minority of firms flout the rules
According to MaRa, the larger operators tend to comply with law and agreements. Many problematic companies are not members of employers’ organisations and ignore ethical codes, collective agreements and statutory obligations.
Unions argue that proactive audits are needed before the high season is in full swing.
A growing sector under pressure to uphold Nordic standards
Lapland’s visitor numbers and flight capacity have grown steadily, intensifying demand for staff in resorts around Rovaniemi, Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä. Sustaining the region’s brand depends on fair work: paid orientation, transparent contracts, and compliance with working time and minimum pay rules.
Strong enforcement and clearer information for international hires would align the booming winter economy with Nordic labour standards and broader EU expectations.
As the season opens, unions and employers agree on one point: protecting workers and enforcing collective agreements is essential to keep Lapland’s tourism growth sustainable, competitive and credible for an international audience.
