The validity of the nationwide collective agreement ends on 31 March 2026.
No negotiation result has been reached in the negotiations concerning the nationwide collective agreement for the universities of applied sciences, and the collective agreement expires today, 31 March 2026. Negotiations have continued throughout the beginning of the year, but issues related to contract texts and the salary solution remain unresolved. The objectives of Sivista, representing the employer side, to weaken terms and conditions of employment, as well as their reluctance to negotiate, have made the negotiations challenging. YTN has presented concrete solution proposals and has been ready for constructive compromises in order to reach an agreement.
The negotiators of OAJ announced on 23 March 2026 that they are ending the negotiations and have issued several strike warnings concerning different universities of applied sciences. As a result, negotiations will continue under the leadership of the National Conciliator starting on 1 April 2026. YTN has not yet issued any strike warnings. In this situation, however, we must consider alternative ways of proceeding.
As of 1 April 2026, the nationwide collective agreement will therefore no longer be in force. What does this mean in practice?
There is no immediate cause for concern regarding terms and conditions of employment. The provisions of the collective agreement will continue to be applied on the basis of the post binding effect until a new agreement has been concluded. Work will continue as normal.
If new employees are hired by a university of applied sciences during the period without a collective agreement, it must be ensured that the employment contract refers, with regard to terms of employment, to the expired collective agreement.
However, the post binding effect does not apply to the obligation of industrial peace. Various industrial actions are therefore permitted to advance the collective agreement negotiations. If YTN decides to take action to demonstrate readiness for industrial actions, we will inform you separately.