Procedure

The main features of the procedure in the Labour Court resemble the procedure in the regular courts of justice in Finland. The hearing of a case is divided into a preparatory stage and a main hearing. At first the preparation is conducted in writing, but normally there is also an oral hearing. The purpose of the preparation is to clarify the case so that it can be tried during the main hearing in one session without any postponements. In the preparation the plaintiff's demands and the defendant's response are brought forward, the specific issues in dispute are identified, and the material that the parties intend to present is gathered. After the preparation the main hearing, if needed, will take place. The main hearing consists primarily of the opening and final discussions of the parties and the hearing of witnesses.

The court may in urgent matters decide the case and pronounce the ruling immediately after the main hearing. This can be done for example in situations where there is an ongoing industrial action at the time of the main hearing. However, normally the court convenes for a so-called deliberative session to give its final decision in the matter. Subsequently, the written decision is mailed to the parties to the litigation.