equality-focused union The Union of Journalists in Finland (UJF), founded as the Finnish Union of Journalists (SSL) in 1921 with 18 member associations, now boasts nearly 14,000 members working across print media, broadcasting, publishing, and new communications media. In 1924, the association began publishing the Journalist magazine, known as Sanomalehtimies-Journalisten in Finnish and Swedish. In the interests of journalists The UJF is an independent trade union that negotiates collective bargaining agreements. It works to further the financial, social and professional standing of its members, both salaried and freelancers. The union does not belong to but cooperates with trade union confederations. In the interests of journalism Crucial areas of the union’s work include safeguarding professional ethical standards and copyrights. The union actively influences the development of communications policy and champions the principles and exercise of freedom of expression. The UJF, an equality-focused union, achieved a female majority in 1998, with nearly 60% of its members being women, and over 70% of student members are also women. Over its 100-year history, the union has maintained a strong commitment to gender balance in the media industry, and administrative roles currently held by women.