Private Early Childhood Education Collective Agreement (VAKATES)

The private sector of early childhood education employs about 10,000 employees. Approximately 20 % of children living in Finland are in private day-care centers, which means that every year more than 40,000 children receive early childhood education and care in privately organised early childhood education services. SuPer represents educated childcarers in early childhood education and care sector.

In addition to SuPer, the negotiating parties include JHL, OAJ and Talentia, as well as the Finnish Education Employers (FEE, in Finnish Sivista) representing the employers.

VAKATES 2026–2027

The collective agreement for the private early childhood education sector (VAKATES) covers the period 1 January 2026–30 April 2027. 

Pay rises will be implemented as follows:

• on 1 August 2026, a general increase of 2.5%, applied to both individual and graded salaries 
• on 1 February 2027 a 0.4% adjustment allowance tranche to be used to reform the pay system.

The remuneration of shop stewards and occupational safety and health representatives will increase by 2.9% as of 1 August 2026, rounded up to the nearest euro.

In addition, the payment date for holiday pay was brought forward, and the working time provisions were tightened, for example in relation to overtime. Another important improvement for SuPer members is the inclusion of a provision recognising planning time for so-called unqualified teachers, as the role is often carried out by a childcare worker.

Yksityisen varhaiskasvatusalan työehtosopimus 1.1.2026–30.4.2027

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