Collective and Local Bargaining

Collective and Local Bargaining

In Finland, employment legislation is mostly mandatory law. Nevertheless, employers can deviate from these provisions by employer-specific agreements to the extent permitted by law. These possibilities are currently being extended.

We assist employers in negotiating and concluding employer-specific agreements. Our experts have an excellent understanding of how the labour market works. We have represented numerous employers and employer federations in demanding contract negotiations with the aim of reaching a local agreement.

We offer both legal and practical perspectives on bargaining. At best, well-managed local negotiations can leverage strategic business objectives and increase employee engagement.

We can help you with all matters relating to employer-specific agreements, such as:

  • Assessing the exit from the nationwide collective agreement
  • Assessing the suitability of an employer-specific agreement for the employer’s needs
  • Ensuring the legality of the employer-specific agreement
  • Drawing up an employer-specific agreement
  • Participating in contract negotiations

Latest references

We advised a special investment fund managed by Mandatum on the sale of the PMK Building, a mixed-use commercial property located in Tammela, Tampere. The property hosts dozens of tenants and offers, inter alia, warehouse, production and office premises.
Case published 13.7.2026
We advised Suominen Corporation in connection with its rights issue. The offering was oversubscribed, and the company raised gross proceeds of approximately EUR 28 million. We also advised Suominen in connection with the renegotiation of the terms of the company’s three-year EUR 100 million syndicated credit facility, under which the maturity was extended and headroom was added to the financial covenants. “I would like to thank our shareholders for their support and confidence in Suominen’s future. The completion of the Offering will enable us to accelerate the implementation of our Full Potential Program while strengthening our capital structure. Our transformation particularly focuses on enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our production and supply, and on reinforcing our commercial capabilities, allowing us to better meet the expectations of our customers and shareholders”, comments Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Suominen. Suominen is a nonwovens manufacturer operating in global markets. Suominen creates value by taking fiber raw materials and turning them into nonwovens that the company’s customers convert into both consumer and professional end products. Suominen’s vision is to be the frontrunner for nonwovens innovation and sustainability. Suominen’s net sales in 2025 were EUR 412.4 million and the company has almost 700 professionals working in Europe and in the Americas. Suominen’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Case published 6.7.2026
We acted as joint legal advisor for Nordea Bank Abp and Avain Yhtiöt in an approximately EUR 48 million financing arrangement which included facilities for refinancing of an existing real estate portfolio and also for acquisition and property development purposes. The financing arrangement strengthens Avain Yhtiöt’s objective to build and maintain a functional, safe and environmentally friendly living environment, as well as to develop the overall quality of housing and construction. Avain Yhtiöt is a Finnish group specialising in housing and housing-related services, construction contracting and new construction. Its goal is to build 1,000 new apartments per year in key growth areas in Finland.
Case published 2.7.2026
We advised the shareholders of Suomen Autohuolto Oy in connection with the sale of the company’s entire share capital, to SAKA Finland Group Oy. Suomen Autohuolto Group is one of Finland’s largest companies specializing in brand-specific automotive maintenance and has locations in Oulu, Tampere, and from July, also in Järvenpää. The transaction is subject to final approval by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV).
Case published 26.6.2026