Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment and inappropriate treatment is one of the key goals of the construction industry's responsibility program. To achieve this, the Construction Industry RT, together with its member companies and other players in the industry, is changing the work culture from within.
Week 12 is an anti-discrimination week, which also marks the UN Day against Racism on March 21. To promote this important issue, the Construction Industry RT has joined the Government's We Speak with Action campaign, which aims to create a more equal and just Finland.
The commitment is based on the construction industry responsibility program developed by RT last year. The program defines goals, measures and indicators for various responsibility themes, one of which is a diverse and well-being workforce.
"We want to strengthen structures and a working atmosphere that make as many people as possible feel welcome and comfortable in the construction industry. We must be able to guarantee a healthy and safe working environment for everyone, including mental well-being," the lawyer in charge Ville Wartiovaara The construction industry from RT says.
This is also essential for the sector's traction and retention, as the sector will need a significant number of new experts in the near future. In the construction sector, for example, women, like people with a foreign background, are a minority. Women make up about one tenth of those working in the sector, and one fifth of the workforce on construction sites comes from abroad.
Wartiovaara says that although there is still much to be improved, significant progress has been made in the sector, for example in bringing the working conditions and treatment of foreign workers into line with those of Finnish workers. Many of the practices have emerged from a joint initiative of the Finnish Construction Industry Federation (RT) and the Finnish Construction Federation and are internationally progressive.
Change requires continuous and long-term work
The leader who is steering the construction industry's sustainability program with Wartiovaara Merja Vuoripuro states that the turnaround will take time, but sees it as possible and probable as, for example, the change in occupational safety culture that has taken place over the past couple of decades. This has also taught us about the means by which attitudes can be changed.
"It requires leadership, common principles and guidelines, addressing grievances, training, communication and dialogue. Equality itself costs nothing and is not taken away from anyone. It is simply about caring – appreciating others and respecting diversity," Vuoripuro emphasizes.
"Everyone has the right to be themselves and feel accepted as an equal member of the work community, regardless of their background or characteristics. This applies to age, gender, ethnic background, education, sexual orientation, opinions, values, and even religion."
We Speak with Action campaign
The We Speak Through Action campaign is based on the Government's communication to Parliament on promoting equality, non-discrimination and non-discrimination in Finnish society. The campaign calls on all communities, companies, associations and organisations to join in building a Finland free from racism through concrete actions. The campaign will last until the end of the current government term.
The construction industry's commitment against racism, including measures and metrics, has been made and published. Commitment2050 service, where you can also follow its implementation. More information about the campaign can be found on the page actirrasismiavastaan.fi.
More information
Ville Wartiovaara
Executive Vice President, Regional Director
ville.wartiovaara@rt.fi + 358 40 564 7939Talonrakennusteollisuus ry, Uusimaa
Merja Vuoripuro
Director, Communications and Responsibility
merja.vuoripuro@rt.fi + 358 40 587 2642Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries (CFCI)