Is Independence Day a paid holiday?
Independence Day is a significant holiday in Finland, which is celebrated on December 6. This day is dedicated to Finland’s independence and has been an official holiday since 1919. But is Independence Day a paid holiday? Let’s take a closer look.
Independence Day and Working Time Act
In Finland, Independence Day is an official holiday, and it is defined in the Working Time Act. According to the Working Time Act, Independence Day is a paid holiday if it falls on a weekday. This means that employees are entitled to be paid on Independence Day, even if they do not work on that day.
Collective agreements and Independence Day
Many collective labor agreements (TES) contain more detailed provisions on Independence Day pay. In most cases, collective agreements follow the provisions of the Working Time Act, but in some cases they may offer additional benefits, such as extra days off or increased wages, if the employee has to work on Independence Day.
Effect of Independence Day on salary
If Independence Day falls on a weekday and the employee is normally at work on that day, he will receive his normal salary without having to work. If an employee has to work on Independence Day, they are usually paid an increased salary. The size of the increase depends on the collective agreement and can vary between different sectors.
Independence Day and part-time workers
For part-time employees, the salary on Independence Day may vary. If a part-time employee would normally be at work on Independence Day, he is entitled to be paid for that day. If a part-time employee does not normally work on Independence Day, he or she will not normally be paid for that day.
Summary
In summary, it can be stated that Independence Day is a paid holiday in Finland, if it falls on a weekday. The Working Time Act and most collective agreements guarantee employees a salary from Independence Day, even if they do not work on that day. If an employee has to work on Independence Day, they are usually paid an increased salary.
You can read more information about Independence Day pay and working time law from, for example, the following sources:
