Työsulut

Työsulut, in Finnish, refers to a labor dispute where employers, typically an industry or a national organization, prevent employees from working. This action is a countermeasure to strikes initiated by trade unions. The primary goal of a työsulku is to exert economic pressure on the employees and their unions to compel them to accept the employer's terms or to end a strike.

During a työsulku, an employer will lock out employees from the workplace, preventing them from performing their duties and consequently from receiving wages. This can be applied to a single company or an entire sector. Työsulut are a significant industrial action, often used when collective bargaining negotiations have failed to reach an agreement. The duration and impact of a työsulku can vary widely depending on the industry, the number of employees involved, and the economic conditions.

The legality and specific regulations surrounding työsulut are governed by Finnish labor laws. These laws aim to balance the rights of both employers and employees, establishing procedures and limitations for industrial actions. For example, there might be requirements for prior notification or limitations on the types of workers who can be included in a työsulku. The decision to implement a työsulku is usually made by employer organizations or associations representing a significant portion of employers in a particular field.