Töösuhete

Töösuhteet, in Estonian law referred to as employment relationships, are the legal ties between an employer and an employee formed by a work arrangement under which the employee personally performs work under the employer’s direction in exchange for remuneration. They encompass behavioral expectations, rights, and obligations on both sides and are governed by the country’s labour law framework.

The legal basis for töösuhteet is primarily the Töölepingu seadus (employment contract act) as part of the broader labour law system. The act sets out how a töösuhe is created, what terms must be specified, and how it can be terminated. Although a written contract is common and recommended, a töösuhe can also arise from an oral agreement, provided essential terms are clear. Key terms typically include the job title or duties, place of work, wage, and duration of the employment, whether open-ended or fixed-term.

Rights and obligations within töösuhteet cover both parties. Employers must provide work under lawful conditions, pay agreed wages, ensure safety at work, and comply with statutory social security contributions. Employees must perform duties diligently, follow workplace rules, maintain confidentiality where required, and comply with lawful instructions.

Working time, rest periods, paid leave, and social security are integral parts of töösuhteet and are regulated to balance productivity with worker welfare. Termination of töösuhteet may occur by notice or for cause, with notice periods and permissible grounds defined by law, collective agreements, and the contract. Distinctions are drawn between employees in töösuhteet and independent contractors or freelancers, where subordination and personal performance are typically decisive factors.