At TEK, we are building a sustainable future. In addition to ecological and social sustainability, we also want to focus on economic sustainability. A skilled worker has earned the right to a salary that will get them through crises and help them plan for tomorrow.
According to TEK’s latest labor market survey, the real earnings of TEK members have decreased when compared to last year. The survey shows that median salaries have increased by 3.8% in a year. However, consumer prices have risen more than this, as inflation has exceeded 8%.
This cannot continue. Finnish people deserve measures that improve the purchasing power of skilled workers. People should be rewarded for their hard work and the risks they take. In addition to incentives and salary increases, taxes on work and pensions must be reduced at all income levels. We also need reforms to social security, the labor market and taxation.
A reduction of one billion euros to personal income tax would lower the tax burden of a Finnish salary earner with an average income by approximately 300 euros a year. This number would be even higher for skilled workers. In order to maintain the purchasing power of TEK members, we must demand for a reduction in the tax burden of workers and pensioners.
Finland should be the best place in the world to work and innovate, to be an entrepreneur and to invest. Competitive taxation will also attract international operators. Skilled workers are needed as the government and businesses continue to invest in research, development and innovation.
This article was previously published in TEK Magazine 1/2023.
