Employers turn down universal right to training leave

Dispute needs to be settled urgently

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The argument about employees’ right to three days of vocational training rumbles on.
      The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) announced on Thursday that it will reject the proposal for the training leave that was made by a working group.
      According to the EK Board, the proposed operating procedures were not suitable for the enhancement of staff skills in workplaces.
      Employee organisations approved the proposal for their part earlier this week.
     
Minister of Labour Lauri Ihalainen (SDP) was not immediately willing to comment on EK’s decision to turn down the proposed training leave.
      According to Minister Ihalainen’s Special Adviser, the parties will now consider the issue as a whole in peace.
      In connection with last autumn’s framework settlement, it was concurred that in order to improve his of her expertise, each employee would be annually entitled to 3 days’ training in a way specified by the employer.
      The employee would be paid normal earnings during the study leave.
      However, the issue led to an argument about the interpretation of the proposed staff skills development plan for workplaces, and for almost a year now attempts have been made to settle the conflict.
     
The matter is now becoming urgent, as the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) is hoping to see a bill on skills enhancement at workplaces presented to Parliament in the autumn, with a view to introducing legislation from the beginning of 2013.
      The new legislation is linked with a tax incentive for employers included in next year’s budget, which is why the new bill will have to be brought before Parliament soon.
      SAK announced on Thursday that it demands that the universal right to three days of vocational training recorded in the framework settlement will be implemented and that the related negotiations will continue without delay.


Links:
  Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK)
  Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK): New legislation helps to improve skills and job satisfaction, 20.6.2012

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