In Estonia, employees have rights regardless of whether they have been working for a long time or are just starting out, whether they have a fixed-term or permanent contract, or are temporary or part-time. The Estonian Trade Union Confederation (EAKL) stands for your fair, secure and supported working life.
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.
Minimum wage and collective bargaining
Every worker has the right to fair and transparent pay. The European Union Directive on an adequate minimum wage provides the possibility to link the minimum wage to the national average or median wage, and also obliges countries, including Estonia, to promote collective bargaining. EAKL stands for more and more workers in Estonia to be covered by collective agreements, so that workers have better working conditions and a stronger voice.
Health and safety in the workplace
The employer has a duty to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees. Estonia has strict requirements for working with hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos, lead, carcinogens) and in recent years, increased attention has been paid to the mental health of employees: burnout, work stress. EAKL works to ensure that mental health is also taken into account in working life, and prevention and information work are key here.
Protection of workers' rights in foreign countries
If you work in another European Union country, you have the right to social protection and health insurance. The European Labour Authority monitors that workers' rights, such as equal pay conditions, are guaranteed even when working cross-border. EAKL cooperates with trade unions in other countries to ensure that Estonian workers' rights are protected abroad.
