Court rules on actors’ fixed-term contracts for the first time – Kokkola theatre faces costly compensation

A district court in Finland has for the first time issued a ruling on the use of fixed-term employment contracts for theatre actors, ordering Kokkola City Theatre to pay nearly €170,000 in compensation and legal costs if the decision stands, Yle reports.

The Ostrobothnia District Court found that the theatre had unlawfully used fixed-term contracts for two actors over four years without valid justification, despite the work being permanent in nature. The contracts were not renewed, prompting legal action.

Elina Kuusikko, director of the Finnish Actors’ Union, called the ruling a landmark case that clarifies employment practices in the sector. “This shows that actors are covered by the same labour laws as all other employees,” she said, adding that permanent contracts should be the norm. The union had long sought a test case to challenge fixed-term contracts in court.

However, Juha Kairtamo, legal counsel for the Association of Finnish Theatres, dismissed the idea that the ruling sets a precedent. He argued that industry regulations on fixed-term contracts are already clear and that the case stemmed from “something entirely different” than ambiguous labour practices.

The court noted that Kokkola City Theatre was in turmoil at the time the contracts were issued, with frequent leadership changes and a poor working atmosphere. Current artistic director Kimmo Virtanen acknowledged the past issues but said the theatre must now decide how to proceed.

The theatre’s supporting association is weighing whether to appeal. “An appeal carries risks—the sum could grow even larger,” said Reino Herlevi, chair of the association’s board. If upheld, the €170,000 penalty would strain the small theatre’s budget, though Herlevi stressed they would minimise the impact on artistic operations.

“It stings, but we have to move forward. Dwelling on this would be dangerous for the theatre,” he said.