Ohje kausityöntekijälle - yleistä

Guide for seasonal workers​​​​​​​ | Published​​​​​​​ 24.6.2025
Also available in Thai and Russian.

In this guide, we share information about employees’ rights in Finland.

The guide applies to berry picking and work in agriculture, gardening, forestry and more. The rights are based on legislation and the collective agreement for rural industries.

Employment contract

The employer must make a written employment contract with you in a language that you understand. You must be given a copy of the employment contract signed by the employer. The employment contract must include: the duration of employment, working hours, wages.

Working hours

Up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. If you work more hours, you must be given increased pay for the extra hours. When workloads are heavy, the employer may ask you to work longer. You do not have to agree to this. You cannot decide to work longer hours than agreed without the employer’s consent.

Breaks

When your daily working time is at least 6 hours, you have a right to a meal break of at least 30 minutes. A meal break is not counted as working time, and it is not paid. When your daily working time is at least 8 hours, you have a right to take two 12-minute breaks. If your working day is less than 8 hours, you may take one 12-minute break. These breaks are counted as working time, and they are paid.

Accommodation

The rent for accommodation arranged by the employer must not be too high. The dwelling must be warm, fire safe and equipped with adequate toilet and washing facilities. The accommodation must have warm water for washing and sufficient sleeping space.

Wages

As of 1 May 2025, the minimum hourly wage in the agricultural sector will be EUR 9.87.

The hourly wage for the induction period can be 10 per cent lower. An induction into work such as harvesting can only last a couple of days. The employer withholds taxes and statutory social insurance contributions from your wages. No other expenses may be deducted from your wages without your agreement. Make sure to have in writing everything that is agreed on.

Piecework

You and the employer can agree in the employment contract that you will be paid according to the amount of work you complete. This is known as piecework. When you work efficiently, you receive pay that is at least 20 per cent higher than your usual hourly wage.

Before you start working, the employer must tell you the normal amount of work to be completed within an hour. Your hourly pay must be at least EUR 9,87 in any case. Your pay cannot be reduced because of delays that are beyond your own control.

Make sure to write down all your working hours, including piecework!

When you receive your payslip, check that your pay is correct. Notify your employer of any errors immediately.

If your employer does not agree to correct the error, you can ask the following organisations for help:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Authority in Finland:
  • Victim Support Finland:
  • Anti-trafficking action in Finland:

Download these applications on your phone for more information: