Minimitunteja

Minimitunteja is a Finnish term that translates to "minimum hours" or "minimum working hours." It refers to the legally mandated minimum number of hours an employee must work within a given period, typically a week or a month, as stipulated by employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements in Finland. This concept is primarily relevant for part-time employment, where it ensures that employees receive a certain level of guaranteed work.

The purpose of establishing minimum hours is to provide a basic level of income security and predictability for part-time workers. It prevents employers from arbitrarily reducing the working hours to an extent that would make it difficult for employees to sustain themselves or plan their finances. If an employment contract specifies a minimum number of hours, the employer is generally obligated to provide at least that amount of work.

The specific minimum hours can vary depending on the industry, the collective agreement in place, and the individual employment contract. There isn't a single universal minimum hour requirement for all part-time employees in Finland, but rather a framework that allows for such provisions to be negotiated. In cases where no minimum is explicitly stated, the interpretation of what constitutes a reasonable minimum can become a matter of discussion or dispute. The principle aims to balance the flexibility desired by some employers and employees with the need for a stable and predictable work situation for part-time staff.