The logo of the Finnish Federation for Social Affairs and Health (Soste) at the organisation's office in Helsinki on 22 June 2026. Soste has launched change negotiations that could result in the dismissal of nearly its entire workforce. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Finland's largest umbrella organisation for social and health NGOs has launched change negotiations that could lead to the dismissal of almost its entire workforce, as a dispute over state funding criteria deepens within the government.
Soste, which represents more than 240 social and health organisations across Finland, announced on Monday that negotiations covering all employees will begin on 23 June. The organisation employs 31 people and said up to 29 positions could be cut.
The move follows a proposal by Minister of Social Security Wille Rydman to tighten the criteria governing grants distributed through the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA).
Under the proposed rules, funding would no longer be granted as a starting point to umbrella organisations and central bodies. Organisations focused on advocacy, policy influence or advisory work would also face restrictions.
