Työtaistelujen

Työtaistelut, in Finnish, refers to industrial actions taken by employees or employers to achieve certain goals within the employment relationship. These actions are a fundamental aspect of labor relations and are legally protected in many countries, including Finland, as a means for workers to exert pressure on employers during negotiations or disputes.

The most common forms of työtaistelut include strikes, where employees collectively refuse to work, and lockouts, where employers prevent employees from working. Other forms can include work-to-rule campaigns, where employees adhere strictly to contract terms, slowing down operations, or go-slows, where work is performed at a deliberately reduced pace. The primary purpose of these actions is to influence negotiations over wages, working conditions, collective agreements, or other employment-related matters.

In Finland, the right to industrial action is enshrined in the Constitution. However, these rights are not absolute and are subject to specific legal regulations. For instance, certain sectors, like emergency services, may have limitations on their right to strike to ensure public safety. The process often involves preconditions, such as the failure of negotiation attempts and adherence to notice periods, before industrial action can be legally commenced. The aim of työtaistelut is to create an imbalance of power that encourages both parties to find a mutually acceptable resolution.