Government cuts threaten existence of disability support union

The Union for Supported Living is initiating change negotiations affecting its entire staff, warning that its very existence is under threat due to government austerity measures. The organization contends that the cuts imposed by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government on social welfare organizations are fundamentally undermining their operations.

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The government claims it is not cutting from direct services, but this is not true.

"The government claims it is not cutting from direct services, but this is not true," the union stated in a press release. While Orpo briefly commented that specific decisions on aid would be made later, the Union for Supported Living anticipates a significant reduction in its funding next year. This could result in up to 20 employees facing layoffs, reduced hours, or altered contracts.

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In practice, this means that people with intellectual disabilities and their families will be left without the support and advice they need.

The union emphasizes that the cuts to general funding would make its entire operation impossible, even if some activities could still be funded. "In practice, this means that people with intellectual disabilities and their families will be left without the support and advice they need," the statement warned.

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Finland has committed to adhering to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which means that authorities must follow the convention in all their decision-making.

Furthermore, the union asserts that cutting funding to disability organizations contravenes international agreements and domestic law. "Finland has committed to adhering to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which means that authorities must follow the convention in all their decision-making," the statement read. "The convention obliges Finland to consult with persons with disabilities and the organizations representing them in decision-making that concerns them. We are the organization that gives voice to people with intellectual disabilities. Now, our doors to societal influence are threatened with closure," said Tiina Simons, the union's executive director.

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The convention obliges Finland to consult with persons with disabilities and the organizations representing them in decision-making that concerns them. We are the organization that gives voice to people with intellectual disabilities. Now, our doors to societal influence are threatened with closure.