Labour legislation

laki145x186 The Ministry of Employment and the Economy is responsible for drafting and evolving labour legislation. The relevant laws include the Employment Contracts Act, Working Hours Act, Annual Holidays Act, Non-discrimination Act, Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life, Collective Agreements Act, Act on Job Alternation Leave, Study Leave Act and Pay Security Act. The Ministry also drafts legislative documents on matters relating to personnel involvement systems, i.e. codetermination in companies, representation on the Board and staff funds.

Employment legislation is drafted on a tripartite basis, in collaboration with the organisations representing the interests of employers and employees. The working conditions of employees are determined on the basis, not only of legislation, but also the collective bargaining agreements that exist for the various sectors. It is the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) authorities, which work under the authority of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which largely have responsibility for monitoring employment legislation.
The cooperation ombudsman has responsibility for monitoring matters relating to personnel involvement systems.

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy is involved in the drafting of agreements connected with EU employment legislation and the ILO. The Ministry supports the drafting and monitoring of employment legislation and evaluates these on the basis of studies and research.

Finnish Labour Legislation and Industrial Relations, brochure, 2012