Tripartite working group to explore wage cost models for drone threat scenarios
A tripartite working group has been established to examine potential models for balancing additional wage costs in the event of drone threat situations. The initiative follows recommendations issued in June by labour market organisations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which outlined how workplaces should prepare for such scenarios.
Under the current recommendations, employers are required to pay wages to employees who are unable to work due to official danger warnings linked to drone threats. The working group’s task is to develop a cost-balancing model that does not impose financial burdens on public finances or employees. Yle reports that the exploration is based on a scenario where armed drones may occasionally enter Finnish airspace, prompting authorities to issue danger warnings.
The working group includes representatives from key labour market organisations, such as Akava, the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), the National Emergency Supply Agency, the Association of Finnish Municipalities and Wellbeing Area Employers (KT), and the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK). Government bodies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the State Employers’ Office, are also involved.
According to MTV Uutiset, the group will assess models in case drone threats escalate or become more widespread. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has confirmed that the assessment is expected to be finalised by the end of October, though MTV Uutiset notes that some aspects of the work may continue until the end of 2026. The ministry has emphasised that the proposed solutions must not result in additional costs for either the public sector or wage earners.
