työsulku

Työsulku is a Finnish term referring to a lockout, a labor dispute tactic used by employers. It is the opposite of a strike, where employees refuse to work. In a työsulku, an employer prevents employees from working, often as a response to a strike or to pressure employees and their union to accept the employer's terms. This action can involve closing down a workplace or a part of it, or refusing entry to employees. The purpose of a työsulku is typically to exert economic pressure on employees and their union, making the dispute costly for them and potentially forcing a quicker resolution on terms favorable to the employer. Työsulku is a legal measure in Finland under specific conditions, usually requiring a prior notification period and adherence to labor laws. It is a tool within the framework of collective bargaining and labor relations, representing a significant escalation in employer-employee conflicts. The impact of a työsulku can be severe for both the affected employees, who lose wages, and the employer, who suffers production or service interruptions and potential damage to their reputation. The legal framework surrounding työsulku aims to balance the rights of employers and employees during industrial disputes.