Daily Finland
The Parliament on Wednesday approved the controversial bill regarding fixed-term employment contracts with the provision for allowing the employers to terminate fixed-term employment contracts of up to one year, if it is the first agreement between the employees and the employers. The new law also shortened the notice period for lay-offs from 14 days to seven days and limited the employers obligation to re-employ dismissed employees. The employers will no need to give any justification for offering fixed-term contracts instead of permanent ones anymore, according to the law. A fixed-term employment contract could be concluded without a justified reason for a maximum of one year, if certain conditions are met. The employee and the employer will have the right to terminate a fixed-term employment contract without a justified reason that has lasted for at least six months. The bill was passed by 93 votes to 78 with 28 lawmakers remaining absent. Opposition parties the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP), Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party of Finland),Vihreä Liitto (Green League), Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) and Liike Nyt (Movement Now) cast votes against the bill, which was also criticised by labour unions. Terming the amendments to the law as a mistake, the union leaders also held the government responsible for not holding discussions with experts who opposed the plans. Earlier on January 15, the government submitted the proposal to Parliament for the amendments.
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