Kokkola city theatre appeals labour contract ruling to high court

The Kokkola City Theatre will challenge a district court decision in a labour dispute, seeking to overturn substantial compensation awarded to two actors, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The theatre’s board, led by support association chair Reino Herlevi, unanimously agreed to appeal after consulting legal experts. Herlevi called the original ruling “wrong” and argued the case could set a precedent for Finland’s theatre sector.

In early May, the district court ordered the theatre to pay nearly €170,000—including legal fees—to two actors whose fixed-term contracts were deemed unlawfully terminated. The court found no valid grounds for temporary contracts, as the theatre’s staffing needs were permanent.

Herlevi acknowledged the appeal carries financial risk, potentially increasing the compensation burden, but maintained the board’s decision was justified. The theatre must first secure leave to appeal from the higher court.

The Actors’ Union of Finland has framed the case as a potential benchmark for how theatres use fixed-term contracts, while the Finnish Theatre Association’s legal expert dismissed it as an exceptional ruling, calling existing regulations clear.