Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
Inquiry regarding amendments to the Employment Contracts Act, or regarding occasional work contracts (no. 735)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act that would introduce casual wage agreements, viewing them as a threat to workers' job security. This stance is both value-based and results-oriented, stressing that similar previous reforms (such as platform work) have led to a deterioration of people's circumstances.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding labor law and the social impacts of the platform economy. Specific data and research findings are utilized, citing a study by Tallinn University of Technology on the exhaustion of platform workers, alongside international examples illustrating the negative consequences of zero-hour contracts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and insistent, employing strong negative descriptions (overburdened, underpaid, exhausted). Logical arguments (referencing studies) are mixed with direct accusations regarding the opponents’ motives (doing the wrong thing in the interest of sponsors).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Reform Party, which is accused of initiating reforms with similar negative consequences in the past. The criticism is intense and focused on policy, suggesting that opponents are deliberately worsening the situation of workers to serve the "interests of their sponsors."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (the Employment Contracts Act) and its impact on Estonian employees, utilizing TTÜ research data. Furthermore, international comparisons are drawn from countries that have implemented more liberal forms of employment contracts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives favor strong labor protection and security over flexibility, opposing the liberalization of employment relations. The speaker sees a danger in casual wage contracts, which leads to the underpayment, overworking, and decreased security of employees.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues highlighted are employee well-being and social security, both of which are deteriorating because of flexible contracts. The discussion centers on the widespread issues of overwork, burnout, and underpayment that affect a significant portion of the population.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act (specifically those concerning casual wage contracts). The speaker is a strong opponent of the reform, arguing that it resembles the creation of previous platform work regulation.
1 Speeches Analyzed