työlakot

Työlakot, a Finnish term, translates to "work stoppages" and encompasses various forms of industrial action taken by employees to protest or negotiate for better working conditions, wages, or other employment-related issues. These actions are a fundamental aspect of labor relations in Finland, providing workers with a collective bargaining tool.

The most common form of työlakot is a strike, where employees refuse to work for a defined period. Another form is a work-to-rule, where employees perform their duties strictly according to the letter of their contract, often leading to significant slowdowns. Blockades, where access to a workplace is prevented, and boycotts, where employees refuse to handle certain goods or services, are also considered työlakot.

The legality and regulation of työlakot in Finland are governed by labor laws and collective agreements. Typically, notice periods are required before industrial action can commence, and certain essential services may be exempt from strikes to ensure public safety and well-being. The aim of työlakot is to exert economic pressure on employers to return to negotiations and reach a mutually agreeable resolution. They are a manifestation of the right to associate and engage in collective bargaining, a cornerstone of Finnish labor democracy.