The government’s proposal to ease the rules on fixed-term employment contracts is being criticised on an unusually broad front. The legislative proposal has prompted concerns from labour market organisations, experts, researchers and politicians from both the governing and opposition parties. (PeVL 20/2026 vp, tehylehti.fi, hs.fi) There are particular concerns about the impact of the amendments on public sector workers, especially women of childbearing age.
– The situation is serious for civil society. Broad and harsh criticism is ignored and the law is pushed through without genuine dialogue and against the views of experts. By doing this, the government is sending out the message that the opinions of experts and the rights of workers are irrelevant. In these times, society’s integrity should be strengthened by demonstrating that consultation matters and that decisions are based on information, says Tehy President Millariikka Rytkönen.
The law would increase pregnancy discrimination
If the law is implemented, it will be the employees in the social care, healthcare and early childhood education and care sector who will pay the highest price. The law would increase fixed-term contracts and pregnancy discrimination in a sector where short-term employment and pregnancy discrimination are already commonplace. The law will not have the desired positive impact on employment, especially in the public sector. The changes made to the law during its preparation are merely cosmetic and do nothing to solve its fundamental problems.
Employment cannot be based on uncertainty or the undermining of workers’ job security and the rule of law.
– As a Nordic welfare state, Finland’s laws must not be passed without regard for their cost, nor can citizens’ rights be disregarded, says Rytkönen.
The sector would become less attractive
Ever since the drafting of the proposal began, Tehy has been working hard to ensure that the unjust amendment would not be passed in Parliament.
According to the comprehensive survey carried out by Tehy last year, fixed-term contracts are a critical issue when it comes to the attractiveness of the social care, healthcare and early childhood education and care sector. Even under the current law, 75% of Tehy members have experienced unjustified use of consecutive fixed-term contracts, and 93% feel that fixed-term contracts make the sector less attractive (2025 member survey, Verian Group, N=2,553).
Enquiries:
Jarkko Pehkonen, Director of Advocacy, Tehy, [email protected], +358 40 531 5464