Employees’ rights and obligations in Finland

As an employee in Finland you have a number of rights and obligations. If you notice anything wrong or missing at your workplace, first discuss the matter with your manager. You can also ask the trade union shop steward at your workplace, the employees’ health and safety representative or the health and safety manager appointed by your employer for advice.

For information on trade unions in Finland, see the page Trade unions in Finland.

When you get a job, you and your employer must make an employment contract. It is advisable to have an employment contract in writing, as it is in the interests of both parties to have a written contract.

The employment contract lists all the things relevant to your particular employment. These include the working hours, the length of the employment relationship, the pay, any pay supplements and the wage payment day. The employment contract must also mention any probationary period and the collective agreement to be observed.

If the employment contract is not in writing, your employer must give you a written explanation of the main terms and conditions of employment. Read more on the website of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

When your employment ends, you can ask your employer for a certificate of employment. The certificate must specify the length of the employment relationship and the nature of the work duties and, on request, the reason for the termination of the employment relationship and an assessment of your working skills and conduct. If you do not get a certificate of employment despite requesting one, you can ask the occupational safety and health authority for help. Find out more on the website of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Below is a list of the rights and obligations you have as an employee in Finland.

Employees are entitled to

• the pay and other terms of employment specified in the collective agreement
• working time in accordance with the law and agreements
• organise in a trade union 
• a healthy and safe working environment
• statutory family leave
• occupational healthcare and health and safety at work
• equal treatment
• get orientation training in their work and safe working practices
• get the terms of their employment in writing

Employees are required to

• perform their work diligently
• comply with the agreed working hours
• comply with the employer’s instructions
• avoid activity that competes with their employer
• not divulge trade or professional secrets
• be mindful of the employer’s interests in what they do
• inform their manager straight away if they notice a hazard at the workplace

For more information on employees’ rights and obligations, see the Job Market Finland website.

If you run into problems with your employer, you can ask the trade union shop steward at your workplace, the employees’ health and safety representative or the health and safety manager appointed by your employer for advice. If your workplace does not have a shop steward and you are a trade union member, you can contact your union. SAK also has a free employee rights hotline aimed specifically at young people and workers with foreign backgrounds. If the matter cannot be resolved at the workplace, you can ask the occupational safety and health authority for help.

If you experience discrimination at your workplace, you can discuss the matter with your employer or the workplace health and safety representative or shop steward. If you cannot resolve the matter with your employer, you can contact the occupational safety and health authority, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Equality. 

Read more about discrimination at work on the website of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.