Agenda Profile: Vladimir Arhipov

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 speaker clearly adopts a left-leaning stance in defending workers' rights, expressing strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Employment Contracts Act. He/She stresses the importance of social security and worker protection and opposes the expansion of employer power at the expense of employees. The strength of this position is demonstrated by the direct call to reject the draft bill.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows a good understanding of labor law and labor market dynamics, utilizing precise terminology such as "workload fluctuation," "sickness benefits," and "undermining of social security." It demonstrates knowledge of the legal aspects of employment relations and the power balance within the labor market, highlighting specific consequences such as the loss of guaranteed vacation entitlement.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs emotionally charged and dramatic rhetoric, opening the speech with a metaphor touching upon "the peaceful sleep of the Estonian people." Personal anecdotes ("just like a professional taxi driver") are combined with fact-based arguments, concluding with a moral call to action in the name of dignity and confidence. The overall tone is cautionary and mobilizing.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on limited data—only one statement concerning the specific draft bill. It refers to Lauri Laats' earlier proposal, which indicates that the statements of other politicians are being monitored and reacted to.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Levels criticism against the bill's authors, accusing them of undermining workers' rights and prioritizing the interests of employers. The draft's hidden objectives are criticized, with the assertion that it creates new problems rather than offering solutions. No willingness to compromise is shown, as they call for the bill to be rejected outright.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
He calls upon other deputies to support his position and vote against the bill collectively. He refers to the faction's unified decision, which demonstrates internal cooperation. He seeks to gain broader support through moral argumentation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports workers' rights and social protection, expressing skepticism toward employer-friendly deregulation. It recommends investments, technology, and training as solutions for economic problems, rather than curtailing workers' rights. It demonstrates a preference for a regulated labor market model.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the dignity of workers and their right to a stable life, including the opportunity to plan their family life. It expresses concern over the deepening of social inequality and the increasing vulnerability of workers. It advocates for strong social guarantees.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on activities opposing the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act, making the specific proposal to reject draft bill 602 during its first reading. It stresses the need to preserve existing laws that protect employees and to strengthen secure employment contracts.

1 Speeches Analyzed