Agenda Profile: Lauri Läänemets
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 strongly opposed to the government’s proposed amendments to the Employment Contracts Act (specifically regarding casual/gig contracts). The most critical issue is the lack of protection and guarantees for standard employees working 40 hours per week. The political framework is value-based, focusing on protecting the weaker party during challenging economic situations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of labor law and social dialogue, referencing the role of trade unions and the terms of employment contracts. Specific terminology, such as "casual contract" and "redundancy," is used, and the impact of the economic downturn on workers' choices is described. The expertise is grounded in the presentation of practical scenarios involving working fathers and mothers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational and accusatory, addressing the minister with an accusation of "fibbing" and criticizing the Prime Minister's stance on trade unions. Strong emotional appeals are employed, emphasizing the vulnerability of mothers and fathers. The speaker uses sharp rhetorical questions to underscore the negative consequences of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding activity patterns, apart from participation in the debate on the interpellation in the Riigikogu on May 5, 2025.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce opposition is directed at the government and the minister, who are accused of tabling the draft bill in parliament and ignoring the trade unions' positions. The criticism is both substantive (concerning the lack of protection for workers) and procedural (the exclusion of the trade unions), and includes a direct accusation of dishonesty ("you are lying").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise; the speaker focuses on criticizing the government's actions and the exclusion of trade unions. The government's actions in ignoring social dialogue are sharply criticized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, addressing the impact of the amendments to the Employment Contract Act on ordinary mothers and fathers across Estonia, without singling out specific regions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly lean toward labor protection, emphasizing the necessity of securing guarantees for individuals working 40 hours a week. It is anticipated that during an economic recession, new contracts will be utilized to undermine the position of workers, effectively placing them in a weaker standing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is aimed at the social protection and security of the ordinary working family (the mother or father). It is emphasized that the government's draft bill leaves these individuals unprotected in difficult situations, thereby creating social insecurity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the government's proposed amendments to the Employment Contracts Act (specifically regarding casual wage contracts). The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill, demanding that guarantees be secured for individuals working 40 hours per week.
1 Speeches Analyzed