Cooperation

The purpose of the statutory cooperation arrangements for employee involvement is to provide staff the opportunity to influence decision-making concerning their work and working conditions and the operation of their workplace. To improve central government’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness and service capacity, it is essential that in these cooperation arrangements staff use their expertise to contribute to the preparatory work in decision-making. The cooperation arrangements aim at furthering progress in human resource management and personnel development in central government, and improving the operation of the workplace and working conditions.

Central government workplaces are covered by the Act on Employer-Employee Cooperation in Central Government (1233/2013). The Act lays down provisions on the nature of this employee involvement and on the procedures to be applied in central government workplaces. The Act also mentions the principal provisions of the central agreements on employer-employee cooperation.

The Act emphasises the role of this employee involvement in advancing the quality of working life and personnel wellbeing. The aim of the Act is to promote interactive cooperation between the central government employer and its staff and between different personnel groups, based on the staff being given timely and sufficient information on the employer’s activities and related plans. It is also important for staff to be informed about the objectives, significance and results of their work.