Member unions of the Federation of General and Special Workers provide a wide range of services to their members. Through them, you can receive information and assistance regarding wage calculations and labour rights, apply for educational grants, rent holiday houses, receive payments in cases of long-term illness, and obtain legal assistance in disputes with employers.
Below is a brief overview of the main tasks and services offered by SGS member unions. Please note that services and entitlements may vary between unions.
One of the primary roles of trade unions is to negotiate collective agreements that determine your wages and terms of employment. Employees pay fixed union fee, which is deducted from their wages by the employer. This fee effectively pays for the union’s work in negotiating collective agreements, as well as the various other services it provides.
The union offers information to its members, provides advice in cases of workplace disputes, assists with wage calculations, and helps interpret collective and employment agreements. Legal services are also available to members who require such assistance.
Members may apply to rent summer houses and holiday apartments, although the allocation methods used by unions vary. Efforts are made to keep rental prices as low as possible.
Members who wish to further their education may apply for educational and training grants from the unions’ educational funds. Contact your union for information about the grants you are entitled to. Grants for various leisure activities may also be available.
If you have suffered a serious illness or accident and no longer have the same work capacity as before, the VIRK Vocational Rehabilitation Fund or your union’s counsellors can assist you in rebuilding your skills and work ability.
The unions’ sickness funds provide members with a wide range of support. This includes sickness benefits following illness or injury once employer-paid sick leave ends, daily allowances due to the serious illness of a child or spouse, death benefits, and—last but not least—grants for physiotherapy, health and fitness expenses, medication costs, eyeglasses, stays at healthcare facilities, hearing aids, psychological treatment, extensive dental work, and various other needs.
Entitlements may vary between unions, and members are therefore encouraged to contact their union to learn more about their specific rights.