Unions active in the university sector are stronger when they are inclusive organizations that actively invite international academics and staff to join and that proactively facilitate their participation in union activities. This is important to ensure that the interests of international members are promoted, to secure the longevity of union organizations in the sector, and to ensure readiness for possible industrial action. Participation in union activities also provides international members important opportunities to get to know working practices and current issues at universities. Facilitating this participation necessarily includes work at the level of local associations, national unions, and broader labor market organizations like JUKO–and individual members of the unions can also play a role.
Recognizing this, Tatte has published a series of recommendations for trade union organizations representing international researchers, teachers, and other university staff. The recommendations emerge from research with international researchers, teachers, and staff at Tampere universities, including a survey and a series of interviews Reports from this research are available on Tatte’s website (https://tieteentekijat.fi/en/tatte-international-working-group-finishes-research/), along with a separate set of recommendations aimed at the university (https://tieteentekijat.fi/en/tatte-releases-international-recommendations/).