Know your rights, so you're protected and more secure at work
In Estonia, workers' rights apply regardless of whether you have worked for a long time or are just starting out, have a fixed-term or permanent employment contract, are a temporary or part-time worker. The Estonian Confederation of Trade Unions (EAKL) stands up for a fair, secure and supportive working life.
Our aim is to make sure that every worker knows his or her rights and can get support to defend them when needed.
Equal treatment for all workers
All people working in Estonia are guaranteed by law the right to equal treatment, be it in terms of job application, pay, working conditions, promotion, dismissal, etc. The Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment and the EAKL are committed to ensuring that no worker is left alone with their rights.
A worker with reduced working capacity has the right to apply to the Unemployment Fund for work equipment and workplace adaptations to make work more accessible and healthier.
Working conditions and new forms of work
Today's world of work is changing rapidly, and flexible forms of work, including telework are becoming more and more common in Estonia. At the same time, these changes in working patterns must not lead to a deterioration in working conditions for workers.
EU and Estonian labour law sets minimum requirements for working time, holidays, safety at work, parental leave, etc. These requirements are mandatory for employers, and the EAKL ensures that they are actually complied with.
Minimum wage and collective bargaining
Every worker has the right to fair and transparent pay. The European Union's directive on adequate minimum wages gives the possibility to link the minimum wage to the national average or median wage, and obliges countries, including Estonia, to promote collective bargaining.
The EAKL is working to ensure that more and more workers in Estonia are covered by collective agreements, so that workers have better working conditions and a stronger voice.
Health and safety in the workplace
Employers have a duty to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. In Estonia, there are strict requirements for working with hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos, lead, carcinogens) and in recent years there has also been an increased focus on workers' mental health: burnout, work-related illness and stress are no longer just a problem for the worker, but an issue for the work environment.
EAKL is working to ensure that mental health is taken into account in working life, focussing on prevention of illnesses and raising awareness of risks.
Gender equality and protection against discrimination
All workers - regardless of gender, nationality or age - deserve equal treatment and equal pay. Employers have a duty to monitor and disclose gender pay gap data. EAKL supports workers in cases of discrimination and works with employers to create a more equal world of work for all.
Free movement of workers and protection of rights in other countries too
If you work in another EU country, you are entitled to social protection and health insurance. The European Labour Office will make sure that workers' rights - such as equal pay - are also guaranteed in cross-border forms of work.
EAKL works with trade unions in other countries to ensure that Estonian workers' rights are protected abroad.
