töövaidluskomisjoni

Töövaidluskomisjon is a statutory body in Estonia that settles disputes arising from the employment relationship between employers and employees. It provides a specialized, relatively quick mechanism for resolving issues such as wage claims, unlawful termination, working time, leave entitlements, and other rights and obligations arising from the employment contract and applicable labour law.

The committee operates under Estonian labour law, drawing its authority from statutes governing employment disputes. It is composed of representatives from both employee and employer sides and is led by a presiding member who typically has legal qualifications. For each case, a panel is formed from qualified members.

A dispute is typically initiated by an employee or an employer, sometimes with the support of a trade union or employer association. The parties submit a written claim with facts, supporting documents, and the remedy sought. The committee may hold hearings, review evidence, and issue a binding decision within a defined period. Decisions can cover payments of wages or compensation, reinstatement or termination remedies, working time and rest periods, and other aspects of the employment relationship. The decision is binding on the parties and enforceable through ordinary civil procedure; it can be appealed to a district court within the statutory time limit.

The Töövaidluskomisjon serves as a specialized route within Estonia’s dispute-resolution system, aiming to reduce court workload and provide expertise in employment matters, while remaining part of the broader judicial framework.