TESsopimukset

TESsopimukset, or työehtosopimukset, are collective agreements negotiated between employers’ organizations and employee unions in Finland. They establish sector- or workplace-specific minimum terms and conditions of employment for the workers covered by the agreement and are binding on the signatories. In many cases they apply to all employees within a sector or company, even beyond those who were directly involved in the negotiations, depending on the agreement and law.

Typically, TESsosimukset cover key employment terms such as wages and pay scales, working hours and shift arrangements, overtime, annual holidays, and other compensation. They also address matters like part-time rules, recruitment and dismissal procedures, training and career development, workplace safety, parental and sick leave, pension arrangements, and other benefits. The aim is to complement the general Finnish Employment Contracts Act by detailing sector- or company-specific arrangements.

There are sectoral (industry-wide) TESs as well as company-level TESs. Sectoral agreements regulate terms for a broad range of employers and employees within a sector, while company-level agreements apply to the workforce of a specific employer. Negotiations are conducted by approved unions and employer associations and are typically renewed or amended at regular intervals. If talks fail, dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation or arbitration may be used.

TESsopimukset influence compensation and working life in Finland, providing predictable terms and contributing to the country’s collective bargaining culture, while coexisting with statutory minimums.