Discrimination at work — Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu (0295 666 817) is the equality body for Finland: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) (sak.fi) represents you; Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu (0295 016 620) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstYhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu

Report toAmmattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)

If that failsAluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu."

🪜 Step by step

Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
Equality body: Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
Union: Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuAdvice and supervision on discriminationFor discrimination at work, housing, services📞 0295 666 817 🔗 syrjinta.fi

Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)Advice and legal aid for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.sak.fi

Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojeluLabour inspectorate: advice, inspections, ordersAs soon as the wages are late📞 0295 016 620 🔗 www.tyosuojelu.fi

Käräjäoikeus — työsuhderiita (liiton kautta) / TyötuomioistuinUnlawful dismissal, wage claimsWithin two years of the end of employment🔗 oikeus.fi/tuomioistuimet

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?