Työsopimuslaki

Työsopimuslaki, or the Employment Contracts Act, is a central statute in Finland’s labor law. It governs the relationship between employers and employees by setting rules on the formation, content, duration and termination of employment contracts. The law applies to employees working under a contract in Finland, including foreign nationals, and operates alongside other statutes and collective agreements.

The act recognizes permanent and fixed-term contracts and allows probationary periods. Contracts may be oral or written, but many aspects are clarified by written terms, and fixed-term arrangements are typically expected to be in writing, especially for longer engagements. The contract should cover essential terms such as job description, place of work, salary, and basic working conditions, with further details often governed by collective agreements or company policies. The law also regulates terms related to working hours, rest periods, and overtime, with these provisions frequently supplemented by the relevant collective agreements.

Termination: The act sets notice periods depending on length of service and grounds for termination. It requires a lawful objective for dismissals based on employee conduct or business-related reasons; dismissals without due cause may be subject to compensation, reinstatement, or other remedies through courts or arbitration.

Non-discrimination and equal treatment: Työsopimuslaki prohibits discrimination in terms and conditions of employment on grounds such as sex, age, nationality, religion, or disability. It supports equal treatment and protects employees who exercise their rights under law or collective agreements.

Relationship to other instruments: The Act works together with other Finnish labor laws, including the Annual Holidays Act, Working Hours Act, and Equality Act, as well as collective agreements. Disputes are resolved in courts or labor arbitration bodies if needed.