How to act in workplace situations

What can I do if my employer says they cannot afford to pay salaries?

The salary security system protects employees’ claims if the employer becomes insolvent. However, salary security does not apply if the employer refuses to pay for other reasons. There are some constraints on salary security, such as a maximum amount. It is also very important to note that you can only claim unpaid salaries from the salary security system within three months of their due date. 

For more information, please visit the KEHA website at https://www.keha-keskus.fi/palkkaturva (available in Finnish and Swedish only).

What should I do if my employer proposes a termination agreement?

A termination agreement is a contract in which the employee and employer agree to terminate the employment relationship. The agreement specifies the details of termination, which typically include an additional compensation payment to the employee and a clause stating that neither party will make any claims against the other that are not outlined in the agreement.

You should ask your employer for a reasonable consideration period (at least three or four working days) and immediately send the draft agreement to TEK’s lawyers for review. You can use OmaTEK's communication channel to do this. You can find our lawyers' contact details here.

You should also find out whether the agreement will affect your entitlement to unemployment benefits.

The legal information bank on TEK’s website contains more information on termination agreements.

What should I do if I feel that a colleague is treating me inappropriately?

You should discuss the issue with your colleague as soon as possible. If they continue to treat you inappropriately, you can tell your colleague that you will take the matter to your employer. You can then ask your supervisor or another representative of the employer to address the issue. 

Employers are obliged to intervene in cases of inappropriate treatment when they become aware of them. The first thing your employer should do is speak to all the parties involved and objectively investigate the course of the incidents and events that were perceived as inappropriate treatment. 

Employers are advised to begin investigating such issues within two weeks of being informed. Following this investigation, the employer should consider what action to take in the workplace to resolve the situation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s website has more detailed instructions.

What should I do if my employment is about to end and I want an employment certificate?

You are entitled to receive an employment certificate upon the termination of your employment, provided you request it. Your employer does not need to issue you a certificate automatically. When you request an employment certificate, you should tell your employer whether you would like a brief or an extended certificate.

The brief employment certificate only shows the duration of employment and your duties. 

The extended certificate includes the reason for the termination of the employment relationship, an assessment of your skills and conduct, as well as the duration of employment and your duties. You can also ask the employer to include only the reason for the employment relationship ending or only the assessment referred to above in the certificate.

Request the employment certificate in writing.

Read more about employment certificates in this article.

What if I want to resign?

You should hand your notice of resignation to your employer in person. Give your notice of resignation in writing so that there is no ambiguity or disagreement on the matter. It is a good idea to make two copies of the notice of resignation. Your employer will retain one copy, and you should request that they sign the other copy to confirm receipt of the notice. 

If it is not possible to hand your notice in person, you can send it by post or electronically. If you give notice by post or electronically, your employer is considered to be notified seven days after the notice is sent. However, if your employer receives the notice verifiably earlier, the resignation is considered to have taken effect on the date it was received.

TEK’s legal information bank contains more information on resignation.

What should I do if my employer announces change negotiations? 

You should find out whether someone will represent you at the negotiations. If your group of employees has a representative, this person will serve as the group’s representative. If there is no representative, one can be elected. Otherwise, you can represent yourself.

For more information, read ‘Sacked, huh?’, a guide to change negotiations, on TEK’s website. 

If your job is at risk, consider starting to look for a new one.