New Unemployment Fund Ote Secures Our Members’ Unemployment Protection as of 1 January 2026

At the beginning of 2026, Specia members’ unemployment security will be transferred to the new Unemployment Fund Ote, as the Erko Unemployment Fund for Specially Trained Professionals and the Opetus ja tiede (Education and Science) Unemployment Fund merge.

No action is required from members. Unemployment benefits, payments, and membership fees will continue as usual, and the merger will not affect members’ status.

Unemployment Fund Ote will begin operations on 1 January 2026, becoming Finland’s fourth largest unemployment fund. The new fund will serve university-educated employees and cooperate with 19 member unions within Akava.

Read more on our umbrella organisation Akavan Erityisalat’s website (in finnish).