The daily allowances for soldiers in Finland have been increased by five cents, but the soldiers' union is dissatisfied with the small raise based on the cost of living index.
As of February 1, 2023, soldiers in Finland saw their daily allowances increase by five cents, a move that the military's union, Varusmiesliitto, criticized as inadequate. The incremental increase is part of adjustments based on the country’s cost of living index. The allowances are set at 6.10 euros for the first 165 days of service, increasing to 6.15 euros for the following year. For days 166 to 255, the allowance went from 10.15 euros to 10.20 euros, while for days 256 to 347, it increased from 14.15 euros to 14.25 euros.
Union leader Mats Uotila expressed discontent with the meager adjustment, emphasizing that many soldiers struggle financially and must rely on savings, parental support, or even loans to cover living expenses during their service. Uotila pointed out the disturbing contrast where prisoners serving time in open jails can earn more than those fulfilling military service for their country. The military union argues that the daily allowance remains significantly lower compared to allowances in other Nordic countries, highlighting a need for a more substantial wage increase to reflect the cost of living properly.
The discourse surrounding military compensation in Finland raises larger questions about the value placed on service members and their financial well-being during their conscription period. With rising living costs, the military's rewards for service are becoming increasingly contentious, prompting calls for a reassessment of compensation and benefits offered to soldiers during their service time throughout the region.
