Cooperation in the workplace
Cooperation (in Finnish, “yhteistoiminta”, often abbreviated as yt) refers to dialogue and negotiation between employers and employees on workplace matters. The Act on Co-operation within Undertakings exists to ensure that employers and employees can jointly develop work and working conditions.
According to the Act, employers must discuss matters related to their work with employees. Employers must provide employees with any necessary information in a timely manner.
Employees have the right to propose improvements to their working conditions. Employers must listen to these proposals and respond to them.
Under the law, large employers with more than 50 employees must engage in co-operation negotiations before reducing their workforce. These negotiations seek other solutions to replace dismissals.
If a workplace has 20–49 employees, the employer does not have to engage in co-operation negotiations with employees, unless at least 20 employees are facing dismissal. However, even in workplaces of this size, an employer must engage in dialogue with employees.