Member story: “For us, doing the right thing is a matter of principle”

ATL-Rakennushuolto Oy is a construction company operating in Uusimaa, focusing on demanding renovation construction. CEO Samuel Hyry feels it is important to be involved in developing the construction industry to be even more responsible. 

ATL's references include many exceptionally demanding historical renovation projects, such as the restoration of the Urho Kekkonen Museum in Tamminiemi and the renovation and alteration work of the church hall and sacristy of the historic grey stone church in Espoo. The renovation of protected buildings and properties already in use requires more than usual, for example in terms of safety and quality. This is one reason why ATL-Rakennushuolto mainly operates with its own workforce and equipment. 

"This way we can ensure social responsibility and ensure that quality is in our own hands. We know the people involved and know who is suitable for which task," says CEO Samuel Hyry.  

Responsibility is a constant feature of Hyry's speech and is an important value for ATL. At ATL, which employs 150 people, it is particularly evident in the "employees first" attitude. Over the past two years, ATL has also organized several dozen apprenticeships and internships for students in the field. 

"In the current economic situation, it has been difficult for students to find these. Fortunately, we have been able to create the conditions and find good people through this." 

Doing the right thing is a matter of principle 

ATL has been a long-time member of the Finnish Construction Industry. “We want to be part of a community of construction companies that operates responsibly and is committed to fulfilling societal and social obligations. It’s about reaching out to the group that wants to develop the construction industry for the better,” says Hyry. 

RT is constantly working to improve the operating conditions for construction companies. Member companies play a very important role in getting the grey economy under control, for example by helping the authorities. 

Exploitation of foreign labor has been in the news again recently, and for good reason. Most often, abuses are related to the neglect of workers' statutory obligations in the construction industry, such as pension, accident and unemployment insurance contributions.  

"In a wild labor market, gray economy operators would take an increasingly larger share. It would also mean a significant deterioration in the status of employees and, for example, occupational safety. A counterbalance to this is needed, which is companies operating responsibly – for us, it is a matter of principle." 

Member, remember to take advantage of your benefits 

As a member of the building construction industry, you are entitled to many member services. 

"We certainly make the most use of legal advice in employment matters. The employer side is emphasized – we want to act responsibly in employment matters and ensure a good working life and a safe working environment for our employees," says Samuel Hyry. 

"For example, we have reviewed our procedures and internal operating models with experts from the building construction industry and ensured that we act and provide instructions in these matters in accordance with the provisions. This also serves as ongoing training for us on these matters."  

“We also utilize various instructions and document templates, as well as descriptions of good practices, which can be found on RT’s member pages.” 

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