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 are proud to have provided legal assistance to PwC in the successful public tendering process for the comprehensive renewal of Kela’s benefits processing systems. Kela is the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, and this project is a significant cornerstone in modernising Finland’s social security infrastructure. PwC was selected as Kela’s strategic partner to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the benefits processing systems, digital services, customer relationship management, and information exchange platforms. The project aims to meet the demands of the future digital environment and enhance customer experience through the adoption of Salesforce technology. The new systems are expected to simplify benefit processes, enhance user experience for both customers, employees and other stakeholders, and ensure adaptability to future legislative changes. Castrén & Snellman provided strategic legal support to PwC throughout its successful bidding process, which was carried out through a competitive negotiated procedure. We extend our warmest congratulations to PwC for their successful bid and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project on Finland’s social security system.
Case published 24.4.2025
We advised Milexia Group, a portfolio company of the French PE sponsor Crédit Mutuel Equity, on its acquisition of the activities of Alpha Positron Oy, a Finnish distributor specializing in GPS/GNSS, time and frequency solutions for the electronics industry, process automation, corporate IT, defense, and other demanding markets. Milexia Group is one of the world’s leading European suppliers for high-quality electronic components, systems and scientific instruments technology. It has offices, warehouses and technical centres in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Nordics and Hong Kong. The acquisition aligns with Milexia’s strategy to expand its presence in the Nordic region and enhance its portfolio of communication solutions.
Case published 24.4.2025
We are acting as legal advisor to Piippo Plc in the sale of their bale netwrap and baler twine machines, related assets, and trademarks used in Piippo’s business to Portuguese Cotesi S.A. The sale of assets will be carried out in two phases and the final completion of the transaction is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2026. Piippo Oyj’s core business is baling nets and twine and it is one of the leading suppliers in the industry globally. The company’s global distribution network covers more than 40 countries. The company’s shares are listed on the First North Growth Market Finland operated by Nasdaq Helsinki Oy. Founded in 1967, Cotesi is one of the world’s leading producers of synthetic and natural twines, nets and ropes, with operations in Europe, North America and South America and its main production plant in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Case published 17.4.2025
We acted as Finnish legal adviser to KKR in connection with its acquisition of the entire share capital of Karo Healthcare from EQT. The transaction follows Karo’s significant strategic transformation from a Nordic specialty pharma business into a leading pan-European consumer healthcare platform, with an attractive product portfolio spanning core categories such as Skin Health, Foot Health, and Intimate Health, as well as Digestive Health and Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements. KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds.  Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the coming months.
Case published 17.4.2025