Statutory terms and conditions of employment
There are many rules in the workplace that employees and employers must follow. These rules are based on laws and collective agreements, and they protect both employees and employers.
Labour laws
In addition to collective agreements, Finnish legislation regulates carrying out and commissioning work. They cover all sectors. Labour law prescribes what can be agreed upon in collective agreements and employment contracts. Pay and other benefits must not be inferior to what the law and collective agreements say. If your employer is not obligated to abide by a collective agreement, they must still comply with Finnish legislation.
What does ‘tripartite’ mean?
In Finland, Parliament decides on labour legislation based on Government Proposals. However, laws related to working life are prepared on a tripartite basis. Tripartite means that the Finnish Government gives the trade union confederations and employers’ federations the opportunity to express their opinion on the content of legislative proposals.
Tripartite negotiations are not a Finnish invention; the concept is well-established in history. Finland has committed itself in international agreements to tripartite negotiations on matters related to work.
In the tripartite system, experts from the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and its member trade unions represent their members. They share their perspective, which prioritises the interests of employees, with the Government. They are experts at safeguarding the interests of employees. They are also familiar with the everyday operations of their members’ workplaces.
For example, the pension system, occupational safety, and social security are developed tripartitely. The solutions developed by tripartite working groups are often compromises. They are often associated with many other issues and the impact of the tripartite work cannot always be seen. However, their work does have a significant impact on the everyday lives, rights and working life of workers.