Finland recommended paying salaries to employees who did not come to work due to drone threats
The Finnish government has developed recommendations for employers and employees in case of threats from drones. The document was prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment together with other agencies and social partners.
The recommendations foresee compliance with official government instructions during emergencies and also include a recommendation to pay salaries to employees who cannot perform their duties due to an announced alert. The document will be updated according to changes in the security situation.
Employment Minister Matias Marttinen emphasized that emergencies are rare, but in such cases, clear and understandable procedures must operate in workplaces. According to him, it is especially important to guarantee employees' salary payments during such incidents so that no one exposes themselves to danger out of fear of losing income.
The recommendations were developed considering a scenario in which armed drones may occasionally enter Finnish territory, which may lead rescue services to issue emergency warnings. In case of threat, authorities recommend citizens stay indoors, as being outside may be dangerous.
The document stresses the necessity of strict adherence to instructions during emergencies. At the same time, it identifies a number of critically important functions that cannot be completely stopped or reduced without a direct threat to life or health. The recommendations include advice on ensuring the continuity of such processes during the warning period.
Despite different interpretations of current labor legislation regarding the obligation to pay wages, social partners recommend employers pay salaries to employees and civil servants in cases where, due to an official drone threat warning, they cannot perform their work duties. According to the parties, this will contribute to strengthening overall societal security.
It is expected that each workplace will independently determine ways to minimize risks to employees' health and safety, as well as reduce negative consequences for employers. The recommendations provide examples of how to organize work considering the need for shelter during a threat.
Employers and employees are also advised to discuss in advance the course of action in case of drone incidents and agree on corresponding internal procedures.
During drone-related threats, occupational injuries and accidents will be assessed according to current legislation on workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
The government and social partners will continue to monitor the situation and are ready to adjust the recommendations depending on developments. If drone threats become more frequent and lead to a significant increase in employers' labor costs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will conduct a study on possible mechanisms to compensate such costs. It is assumed that the corresponding model will not create additional financial burdens for the public sector or employees.
