An independent study commissioned by the cleaning company SOL has uncovered widespread allegations of threshold payments among its employees. According to the survey results, 21 workers reported being solicited for money, often linked to gaining or retaining their jobs at SOL. Out of those, six individuals confessed to having either paid or still owing sums that were typically less than one thousand euros. These payments were made either directly to someone employed by SOL or to an external party, suggesting a troubling culture of corruption within the company. Furthermore, six respondents mentioned making payments to previous employers, indicating that this practice may not be isolated to SOL alone.

The anonymous survey was distributed to 5,212 SOL employees, with a response rate of 31%, which translates to 1,618 respondents. The investigation took place between October and December of 2025, following a public discussion last autumn regarding unethical practices in the Finnish labor market. Notably, journalist Paavo Teittinen discusses similar issues in his book "Pitkä vuoro – Kuinka moderni orjuus juurtui Suomeen," where a source within the company’s leadership exposed a history of workers being extorted for threshold payments over the years, revealing a pattern of exploitation that mirrors modern slavery dynamics.

As this investigation unfolds, it raises larger questions about labor rights and the integrity of employment practices in Finland. The findings not only highlight the potential vulnerabilities faced by cleaning staff but also the urgent need for regulatory oversight and support for workers in vulnerable positions. The implications of this study could lead to significant discussions about workplace accountability, rights to fair treatment, and the ongoing fight against exploitation in various sectors across the country.