Estonia – National Regulations in Employment Law

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We, the International Labour and Employment Group of Rödl & Partner, are happy to advise you on labour law issues (individual and collective) as well as social security law issues on a global, regional and local level. 

 

Below you will find basic information on national labour law provisions in Estonia.




Interview with Alice Salumets


Are there national and/or local collective agreements in the country that regulate labour relations?


Yes. There are both, national and local collective agreements.

 


Are there different legal rules by department/canton?


No.

 

Is there and what is the staff threshold above which the presence of staff representatives is mandatory?


No. 


Are trade unions present in the company?


Not compulsory. But a trade union is a voluntary association and may be founded by at least five employees in a company.


If applicable what is the applicable legal working time? 


In the case of full-time work, the regular working time is 8 hours a day and 40 hours over a period of seven days.

 

Is there a minimum wage set by law/collective agreements (yes/no)? 


Yes. By national law, if more favorable, by collective agreement.



What is the number of legal annual paid holidays?


28 calendar days, unless the parties have agreed upon a longer annual holiday or unless otherwise provided by law (e.g. 35 calendar days in case of a minor, holiday of educational staff up to 56 calendar days).


Existence of specific classification of employees according to their functions/responsibilities?


No. But can be determined by collective bargaining agreement or by company itself.

 

Obligation to set up complementary social insurance schemes (mutual insurance/provident fund/pension)?


Not as such. But pursuant to national law, there is a contribution-financed unemployment insurance benefit system (the employee’s contribution is 1.6 % and the employer’s contribution is 0,8%). These contributions are withheld and calculated from payments made in a calendar month.
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