The Labor Dispute Commission helps resolve labor issues without going to court. Last year, the commission's services were used about 2,500 times. Employees most often turned to it when the employer did not pay wages.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs wants the Labor Dispute Commission to work better. Currently, there are some problems. For example, there are many situations where there are no clear rules.
Liis Tõnismaa from the Ministry of Economic Affairs says that commission members often find it difficult to make decisions. They don't always know how to act. This can lead to prolonged disputes.
A problem also arises when the employer or employee does not appear at the hearing. Currently, the commission has to wait for a response. This takes a lot of time.
Therefore, the ministry wants to give the commission the right to make decisions without the other party. This would save time.
The Estonian Trade Union Confederation supports this idea. Nelli Loomets says that the commission is mainly used by employees. For example, one employee filed an application, but the employer did not appear. In such a case, a decision could be made more quickly.
Trade unions would like to see a separate labor court established in Estonia. This would make dispute resolution faster.
Currently, labor disputes go through four levels: the Labor Dispute Commission, the county court, the circuit court, and the Supreme Court. With a labor court, there would be only three levels. This would save time and money.
Employers' organizations have no comment on this court. But they believe the ministry is moving in the right direction.