In Finland, authorities have launched inspections in the berry picking industry, leading to significant revelations about the treatment of seasonal workers. Following a legislative change last year that allowed workers from third countries to harvest berries as seasonal workers, it was discovered that many companies were not adhering to regulations regarding accurate reporting of working hours. Inspectors found that hourly logs submitted by the workers often indicated they worked exactly eight-hour shifts, which did not match the reality of their long working hours, leading to questions about the authenticity of the reported hours.

The investigation highlighted disturbing practices such as alterations made to time sheets after the fact, with evidence of sticky notes used to change times, raising suspicions about the overall integrity of the payroll system. Many workers reported starting their shifts early in the morning and returning late at night, contrary to what the companies had documented. Moreover, since workers' hourly logs were unreliable, it became increasingly difficult to verify whether they were being paid correctly for their labor under the given wage agreements.

This situation underscores systemic issues within the seasonal labor framework in Finland, putting a spotlight on the welfare of vulnerable workers who rely on harvesting during peak seasons. If these irregularities are not addressed, it could lead to wider implications for labor rights and working conditions in the agricultural sector, as well as affect public perception of the industry and its compliance with labor laws.