Government’s proposal endangers fairness of conciliation

Chancellor of Justice Tuomas Pöysti has raised concerns over a government proposal to establish new guidelines for the national conciliator in labor disputes, as reported by Helsingin Sanomat. Pöysti argued that the proposal should be reconsidered due to its potential impact on the impartiality and independence of the conciliation process.

The proposal aims to ensure smooth labor market operations and wage formation to safeguard the national economy. Pöysti warned that the proposal could prioritize employers’ views over employees’, potentially affecting the balance of collective bargaining negotiations.

Trade unions have opposed the proposal, expressing worries about its effect on workers’ bargaining power and gender pay equality. The Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (Akava) highlighted concerns about the proposal conflicting with international treaties and equality laws.

Pöysti also pointed out potential conflicts between the proposal and the constitution, international treaties, and EU regulations, emphasizing the need for evaluation by the Parliament’s Constitutional Law Committee. The proposal’s impact on labor market functioning and collective bargaining remains a key point of contention.

Overall, the proposal’s implications for labor market dynamics and fairness continue to stir debate among stakeholders in Finland.