Viiteperioodi

Viiteperioodi refers to the period between hiring and laying off an employee. This concept originates from the Estonian labor law. The main purpose of the viiteperioodi is to provide employees with a certain level of job security. According to Estonia's labor law, employers must give an employee a notice period, which started the viiteperioodi, before terminating their contract.

The viiteperioodi lasts for a minimum of 2 months, but can be longer depending on the employee's length of service, the type of employment, and the employer's motives for terminating the contract. During this period, the employer cannot unilaterally terminate the employment contract without a valid reason. If the employer still decides to terminate the contract, the reasons must be sound and the decision should be made with careful consideration.

The duration of the viiteperodi varies from 2 to 18 months, with 2 months being the minimum duration for most employees. For longer-serving employees, the notice period can be longer. This is one of the many Estonian labor law protections designed to shield employees from unfair dismissal.

The viiteperioodi seeks to find a balance between the interests of employees and employers. By providing employees with advance warning and protection against unfair termination, it aims to reflect Estonia's labor law focus on fairness and fairness in employer-employee relationships. Overall, the viiteperioodi remains an essential part of Estonia's labor law framework, with its underlying principles emphasizing the job security of the employed population.