The Action Plan for the year 2025

The Association of Research Professionals in Eastern Finland (ITTE ry.) is a trade union for academics. The union’s members work at universities, research centers, administration, in the private as well as the third sectors. The common ground for its members is their expertise obtained through education and experience. The union advocates for members’ salaries, social security, and job security.

ITTE ry is a member association of the Union of Research Professionals and it is also affiliated to the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (AKAVA). ITTE ry cooperates with the Union of Research Professionals and its local branches, the central organizations of AKAVA, JUKO and other trade unions which are active at the University of Eastern Finland. The cooperation is particularly intensive with Information Industry Academics (INA). ITTE ry enhances its effectiveness by increasing the number of members and by the adequate representation of university staff categories in the organization of the association.

Lobbying

ITTE monitors members’ benefits though the activity of its’ shop-stewards and participates actively in the development of the University of Eastern Finland in various administrative bodies of the university. At the local level, the association endeavors to protect the interests and to improve the benefits of doctoral students, university teachers, post-doctoral researchers, university researchers, university lecturers and other members of the association.

Particular attention is paid to the situation of members, who are on a short-term contract. ITTE strives to promote the employment of its members also outside the university sector. The association promotes equality and aims to ensure that research, training, and other activities are ethical. The questions relevant for members on research grants and members with an international background are consistently monitored.

In 2025 the University of Eastern Finland transitions to a new governance model, where the university has one reactor and two vice rectors, who are responsible for teaching and research. ITTE follows the organisational change closely to ensure that the perspective of the association’s members is considered. The same applies to the ongoing process of campus development, which may have a significant impact on those members that are working at UEF. Even though different types of distance and hybrid work have increased, it is of utmost importance to guarantee that all the employees who want a workspace at the campus is also entitled to one.

Finnish universities are currently planning changes to the scope and length of doctoral studies. We follow this development and defend academic freedom, the adequate scope of doctoral studies and the necessary level of resources targeted at research.

Communication between members and the board

The board of ITTE ry is in contact with its members via e-mails, newsletters, website, and a Facebook-page. During 2024, the association conducted a member survey, and the results are considered when planning the activities of 2025 to best serve the association’s members.

Activities for members

In the year 2025, the association organizes training and leisure events for its members. The objective is to activate members to participate more in lobbying and various other union activities. The board will decide on other activities based on the member survey and other suggestions received from the members.

The Union of Research Professionals has been active in offering new member benefits. These include e.g., webinars for finding jobs outside academia. ITTE will inform its members actively about these and other union benefits.

ITTE will continue to arrange several traditional gatherings, such as the spring and autumn meetings, excursions, Wappu sparkling wine service, and Researchers on the terrace -meetings. In 2025 to get possible new members, ITTE will begin collaboration with ItäVä, the UEF Doctoral Researchers Association. It is a natural partner for ITTE because many ITTE members who are doctoral researchers are also active in that association.