Työmarkkinajärjestö

A työmarkkinajärjestö, or labor market organization, is an association that represents the interests of employers or employees in a particular sector or across the entire labor market. These organizations play a crucial role in collective bargaining, where they negotiate wages, working conditions, and other terms of employment with counterpart organizations. They also contribute to the development of labor market policies and regulations.

In Finland, the primary types of työmarkkinajärjestö include trade unions (ammattiliitot) representing employees and employers' federations (työnantajajärjestöt) representing businesses. Trade unions typically operate on an industry-by-industry basis, with members belonging to unions that align with their profession. Employers' federations, conversely, are often organized by industry or sector as well.

The core function of these organizations is to maintain industrial peace and to ensure fair and equitable conditions for both workers and employers. They act as a mediating force, aiming to resolve disputes through negotiation and agreement rather than through conflict. This process of negotiation between employers and employees, facilitated by their respective organizations, is known as the social dialogue. The outcomes of these negotiations form the basis of collective agreements, which are legally binding contracts governing employment relationships within a specific industry or company.