Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Draft Law Amending the Employment Contracts Act and Other Acts (602 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly against Draft Bill 602 SE, which concerns amendments to the Employment Contracts Act. This position is value-driven and focuses on protecting workers' rights, highlighting the concerns raised by trade unions and professional associations regarding wages (specifically the 25% risk) and rest periods. The speaker defends the trade unions' right to express their views and criticizes the government's dismissive attitude.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of specific labor law provisions (such as § 52, subsection 4 of the Employment Contracts Act) and the workload issues prevalent in the healthcare sector. This expertise is largely based on technical notes and data provided by trade unions and professional associations, particularly concerning the mechanisms for calculating part-time employment and remuneration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is accusatory and combative, directed especially at the minister, who is accused of demeaning and ridiculing opponents. The speech employs both direct, fact-based questions demanding a yes/no response, and emotional appeals ("It is very sad to hear"). The speaker passionately defends the right of professional associations to voice their opinion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data only covers two speeches made on a single day concerning the first reading of a specific bill, which indicates activity within the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the minister/government, who is being criticized both for substantive changes and procedural errors (specifically, a lack of engagement). The criticism is intense, accusing the opposing side of devaluing the opinions of trade unions and professional associations and ignoring their concerns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely with a broad range of trade unions and professional associations (e.g., the Estonian Trade Union Confederation, the Estonian Doctors' Association), representing their joint appeal before parliament. There is no evidence of attempts to seek compromise with government partners; rather, the focus is on the ignoring of external partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, covering nationwide employment law and the chronic staffing shortage within Estonian healthcare.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives strongly favor the protection of labor and workers, opposing regulations that could reduce agreed wages (through reduced hours) or increase excessive workload. Support is given to maintaining stable contractual conditions for employees.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues highlighted is the severe and chronic staff shortage within Estonian healthcare, leading to the overwork of doctors and other medical professionals. This specific social problem underpins the opposition to changes in rest period regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft bill (602 SE) amending the Employment Contracts Act and other legislation. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, focusing particularly on the regulations concerning part-time work and consecutive rest periods.
2 Speeches Analyzed