Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
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 proposed amendments to the Employment Contracts Act (the "casual wage contracts"), emphasizing that such widespread implementation across all sectors is unprecedented and has not been adequately debated. The speaker’s stance is value-driven, focusing on the social protection of workers and the necessity of earning a living wage, rather than merely a financial buffer for investment. The overall position is one of strong opposition, rooted in policy and core values.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in labor law and platform work, citing procedural aspects like the lack of consultation rounds regarding the draft legislation. They utilize contextual data, specifically mentioning Europe’s record-high employment rate among seniors, to bolster the argument concerning economic necessity. The core of their expertise lies in contrasting social versus economic motivations regarding overtime work.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and direct, combining logical argumentation (a divergence in premises) with a powerful emotional appeal, highlighting the economic hardship faced by workers (rising food and rental costs). The speaker employs a rhetorical question to challenge the opposing side's assumptions and stresses that this is a forced choice, not work undertaken willingly.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The backlash targets the bill's proponents (including the minister and Raimond Kaljulaid), criticizing both the substance of the draft legislation and its procedural execution (specifically, the lack of broader debate). The most pointed criticism addresses the opposing side's assumptions regarding employee motivation, viewing their premise about earning a financial buffer as completely divorced from reality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (amendments to the Employment Contracts Act) and the broader European context, referencing statistics on the employment rate of older people. Specific regional or local issues are absent; the emphasis is placed on the overall labor market situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is heavily biased toward labor rights and social guarantees, contrasting sharply with the prioritization of flexibility over social protection. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of guaranteeing employees a living wage and a standard employment contract that includes social benefits. The current economic climate is criticized for forcing people to work overtime just to cover basic food and rent costs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues is on economic inequality and livelihood, stressing that many employees are doing platform work and overtime just to cover basic living costs (food, rent). This relates to guaranteeing social protection through stable employment contracts, rather than fulfilling investment goals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act (concerning on-demand contracts), which were submitted within the framework of interpellation No. 735. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft bill, criticizing its broad scope of application and the lack of a proper consultation round.
3 Speeches Analyzed