ABSTRACT
The narrow-based Finnish industrial structure brought about a marked sensitivity to economic conditions, but during the post-war period this was partly offset by stable, bilateral trade with the Soviet Union. There is a high degree of organisation in the Finnish labour market both among employers and employees. The Finnish labour market is characterised by discontinuity and violent upheavals. After the Civil War in 1918 and up until the conclusion of peace after the Second World War in 1944 there were no collective agreements at all because of resistance in principle on the part of the employers. The labour law regulations in Finland have always been greatly influenced by international models. The Finnish labour law tradition consists of a specific national "mix" of legislation and collective agreements, and in this combination legislation occupies an important position as the creator of frameworks, rules of the game and rights. Equality Act in Finland has been to actively encourage equality.
