The role of the Union of Journalists in Finland as a defender of journalism, freedom of expression, democracy and decent working conditions is greater than ever, UJF President Marjaana Varmavuori said on Thursday. Photo: Heli Saarela The role of the Union of Journalists in Finland as a defender of journalism, freedom of expression, democracy and decent working conditions is greater than ever, UJF President Marjaana Varmavuori said on Thursday. This has become particularly apparent under Petteri Orpo's government, which has drastically cut funding for the public broadcaster Yle and hardened its overall attitude towards the media. “The cuts to Yle have had a far-reaching impact on the entire media and cultural sector in Finland because Yle is a major employer and funder. The period of uncertainty is not yet fully behind us. By 2030, Yle must increase its external commissions by at least ten million euros,” Varmavuori said at the start of the two-day spring session of the UJF Council in Helsinki, 21 May. Varmavuori said that a succession of other cuts affecting the media, culture, and civil society sectors have also been carried out during under the current government. "Support for cultural publications has been cut, the private copying levy has been halved, and funding for cultural organisations and the arts has been reduced," Varmavuori listed. “We should also pay attention to what has not been done. The media sector is in an extremely tough situation, and yet Finland still has no permanent media support.” At the same time, the government has introduced labour market reforms that have weakened both workers’ rights and trade unions. Varmavuori also reviewed the UJF Council's outgoing four-year term. During this period, the union has concluded ten agreements on the terms and fees for self-employed or freelance workers, primarily with smaller media and publishing operators. She said that the next goal is to reach agreements with larger media companies. A significant achievement was that the collective agreement covering film and television production was finally declared universally binding in 2023, after ten years of work. Varmavuori said that the UJF excels in many areas and is at the forefront of its field. "We must remember to keep our eye on the ball and be clear about what we are doing. The UJF is a trade union whose primary purpose is to represent its members' interests and advance their professional standing.” Avainsanat: council UJF