MEP-Leiria Finland, Joensuu

"Solidarity does not assume that our struggles are the same struggles, or that our pain is the same pain, or that our hope is for the same future. Solidarity involves commitment, and work, as well as the recognition that even if we do not have the same feelings, or the same lives, or the same bodies, we do live on common ground." - Sarah Ahmed

Social solidarity in Finland “The Common Responsibility Campaign (known in Finnish as 'Yhteisvastuukeräys') is a nationwide social movement based on the philosophy 'love thy neighbour' and the annual fundraising campaign of the Finnish Lutheran Church” (Yhteisvastuu 2012) volunteers collect money for those in need irrespective of their origin, faith or political convictions both in Finland and in developing countries

Economic assistances in Finland Kela –The Social Insurance Institution of Finland– is an independent social security institution with its own administration and finances and it is supervised by Finnish Parliament Kela provides financial allowance for persons who needs it

Pensions Two statutory systems which complement each other: 1. National pension supplement by guarantee pensions 2. Earnings related pensions which are accured trhough employment or self employment

National and guarantee pensions To qualify national pensions, person must be covered under the Finnish social security system and must have lived in Finland 3 years after 1 years of age Full amount 608,63€/month, if married or cohabiting 539,85€ Guarantee pension can be paid if perons total pre-tax income is lover that 704,26€/month Full guarantee pension is 713,73€/month and can be paid if person has no income at all

Health Solidarity Equity is highly valued in Finland and the law provides same rights for all citizens, including in health care Heath care is funded by municipalities, the state and tax payers

Examples about health care charges A doctor's visit or treatment in the primary health care is set at a maximum of 13,70€ per visit three times a year hospital consultant costs 27,40€, in-patients pay 32,50€ per day Maternal and child health visits, a nurse reception, laboratory and X-ray studies, dental care for under 18 years of age are free of cost

About labour in Finland employed persons In 2011 After the Second World War birthrate grew extremely in Finland Old-age pension in Finland is flexible and it´s years. In Finland years old people unemployment rate was 10,6% in 2009 Aged people employment opportunities are getting better in Finland.

Case: Succeeding in ageing ( ) Federation of hard of hearing Espoo, Lieksa and Kemi Better everyday for hard of hearing elderly person’s More efficient services New operation model Sponsor  Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY)

Drop-in centre

Elderly-hearing person Services are nearby Easy to use services Communication is face to face No costs Familiar service place Also peer support Municapality Cost savings Customer satisfaction Easy and fast help People who are working with the aged and student have the drop-in centre in nearby Aids to communication situation

Results Improvement in health care services Sheltered homes and centers become established  Improvement in service Health care is the most popular information place for elderly persons

Ageing’s effects on the economy Unlike the recession’s costs, ageing’s costs are permanent More people need state pensions Health care and pensions take more money Higher taxes Less workers can cause the wages to go up -> wage inflation What to do?

Corporate social responsibility Welfare in work Ergonomics  Working positions etc. Safety  Safety equipments Work community  A good community increases motivation and responsibility Satisfaction in work  Increased by positive feedback and independency in work

Corporate social responsibility The rotation of work: Develops professional know-how Increases the participant’s welfare in work Helps to cope with work Brings change to routines Career break: The aim:  To better the welfare of employees  Lenghten careers