The agreement between the social partners helps companies and the unemployed

Pekka RISTELÄ
SAK – The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions

Following the start of the corona crisis, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK agreed temporary measures with other social partner organisations, with a view to improving the ability of workers and employers to adapt to the economic difficulties caused by the epidemic and restrictions. The measures were implemented partly through sectoral labour market agreements, and partly through legislative changes based on organisations' own proposals.

Employers were given the possibility, for a limited period, to lay off staff at shorter notice than usual. At the same time, the situation of workers was made easier by improving the conditions for unemployment benefit, so that, among other things, the benefit could be received more quickly and on the basis of a shorter employment history than is normally the case.

Job retention was also supported through a temporary reduction in the employment pension contribution paid by employers. The resulting deficit in employment pension funds will be compensated by an increased contribution in the coming years.

In addition to the crisis-related agreements, SAK has sought to raise awareness. A multilingual information package on the epidemic's impact on employment is regularly updated on its website. We advise workers and workplace representatives on issues relating to labour law, occupational health and social security.

SAK information package on the epidemic's impact on employment: https://www.sak.fi/en/whats-new/some-details-concerning-impact-coronavirus-work

Solutions negotiated by social partner organisations to help businesses and the unemployed: https://www.sak.fi/en/whats-new/news/labour-market-organisations-propose-provisionally-make-temporarily-lay-offs-more-flexible-and-unemployment-security-stronger