työtaistelun

Työtaistelu is a Finnish term that translates to "industrial action" or "labor dispute." It encompasses a range of actions taken by employees or trade unions to exert pressure on employers regarding terms and conditions of employment. The primary goal of työtaistelu is typically to achieve better wages, shorter working hours, improved benefits, or to protest against changes in working conditions or company policies.

Common forms of työtaistelu in Finland include strikes, where employees collectively refuse to work. This can range from a full-scale strike affecting an entire company or sector to a partial or sympathy strike. Another form is a work-to-rule, where employees strictly adhere to their contract terms and official regulations, often slowing down operations. Lockouts, where employers prevent employees from working, are also considered a form of labor dispute, though initiated by the employer. Boycotts and demonstrations can also be employed as methods of industrial action.

Työtaistelu is a fundamental right for employees in Finland, protected by law and collective agreements. However, it is usually regulated, requiring specific procedures to be followed before and during the action, such as notice periods and the involvement of mediation services. The aim is to balance the rights of employees to collective bargaining with the need for industrial peace and economic stability. Negotiations between employers and unions are the preferred method for resolving disputes, with työtaistelu often serving as a last resort when dialogue fails to yield a satisfactory outcome.