Seasonal workers report worsening abuse in Lapland’s tourism industry

According to the regional manager of PAM, many seasonal workers are afraid to contact the union or the authorities. According to the employers, a few actors are tarnishing the reputation of the entire industry.

Seasonal workers report worsening abuse in Lapland’s tourism industry

Seasonal workers in Finnish Lapland are facing increasingly severe exploitation, according to multiple reports received this winter by the Service Union United (PAM). Issues include overcrowded housing, excessive accommodation fees, and unfair charges for minor damages. Police in Lapland have confirmed one ongoing criminal investigation into a case classified as extortion. “This winter we’ve seen cases that are more serious than before,” said He…

Temporary measures to support workers affected by the tariff war will not benefit workers in the seasonal industry

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the eve of the federal election, the government announced the addition of temporary measures to the Employment Insurance system to support Canadian workers affected by the U.S.-Canada tariff war. However, although highly commendable, these measures do not solve the problems of workers in the regional seasonal industry. Let's look more closely at this: the government's pilot project provides that the waiting period wi…