Is Christmas a paid holiday?
Christmas is an important holiday for many Finns, and there is also the question of whether Christmas is a paid holiday. This article aims to answer this question as comprehensively as possible.
The importance of Christmas in working life
Christmas is a common holiday in Finland, and there are several holidays associated with it. Christmas Eve (December 24) is not an official public holiday, but Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are official public holidays. The remuneration for these days depends on several factors, such as the employment contract, the collective agreement and the working time law.
Paid holidays
In general, public holidays such as Christmas Day and Boxing Day are paid days off. This means that employees will receive their normal wages even if they do not work on these days. However, collective agreements may contain special provisions that may affect wages.
Effect of collective agreements
In many sectors, there are collective agreements in force that define in more detail the pay on public holidays. For example, collective agreements in industry, commerce and the public sector often have provisions guaranteeing employees paid time off on public holidays. It is important to check your own collective agreement or ask your employer or trade union for more information.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is not an official holiday, but in many workplaces it is a day off or a shortened working day. This often depends on workplace practices and collective agreements. In some industries, such as commerce, Christmas Eve may be a normal working day, but employees may be paid an increased wage.
Summary
Christmas Day and Boxing Day are official holidays in Finland and usually paid days off. Christmas Eve is not an official holiday, but in many workplaces it is a day off or a shortened working day. However, remuneration and the number of days off may vary according to collective agreements and employment contracts. It is recommended to check your own collective agreement or ask your employer or trade union for more information.
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