A report from Finland's permit and oversight authority has revealed significant shortcomings in the working conditions of berry pickers employed across the country. The issues primarily revolve around the payment of wages, adherence to working hours, and the reimbursement of travel costs. The occupational safety authority conducted 20 visits to the bases of berry pickers during the last harvesting season, interviewing workers to assess their situation. As a result of these visits, extensive inspections were initiated for 15 companies, focusing on their compliance with wage and hour regulations.

The investigation highlighted that many employers failed to monitor working hours and travel distances accurately, complicating the verification of proper wage payments. This lack of oversight not only raises serious concerns about the treatment of berry pickers but also underscores the broader implications for labor rights in Finland. Since last year, the status of berry pickers has changed to that of employees due to legal amendments, which guarantees them a minimum wage among other rights. However, the findings indicate that enforcement of these rights remains inadequate.

The report serves as a critical call to action for regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that labor laws are upheld, especially as the industry involves a vulnerable workforce. With the berry picking season approaching, authorities must prioritize the implementation of measures that protect the rights and well-being of workers to prevent ongoing exploitation and ensure fair labor practices within the sector.