In the Faroe Islands labor market, collective bargaining agreements negotiated between trade unions and employer organizations play a significant role. These agreements set the minimum standards for employment contracts, but individual contracts can offer additional benefits.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) form the basis of employment terms in the Faroe Islands. Powerful unions representing various sectors negotiate wages, working hours, holidays, parental leave, and other benefits with employer federations. These agreements cover a significant portion of the workforce.

Individual Employment Contracts

Individual employment contracts build upon the foundation set by CBAs. These contracts detail the specific terms of employment between an employer and an employee. The terms include job description and responsibilities, salary and benefits, working hours and overtime, vacation and sick leave, and the notice period for termination. While CBAs provide minimum standards, individual contracts can offer more favorable terms like higher salaries or additional benefits.

Fixed-Term Contracts

Fixed-term contracts are another type of employment agreement used in the Faroe Islands. These contracts specify a predetermined duration for the employment, after which it ends unless renewed. Special rules may apply regarding eligibility for social security contributions and unemployment benefits for fixed-term contracts.

Employment contracts in the Faroe Islands, while guided by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), should contain specific details to ensure clarity and protection for both the employer and employee.

Parties to the Agreement

The contract should clearly identify the employer and employee, including their full names and contact information. If the employer is acting on behalf of a company, the company's registration details should be included.

Job Description and Responsibilities

The contract should outline the employee's job title, duties, and responsibilities in detail. Any reporting hierarchy or supervisory relationships should also be mentioned.

Compensation and Benefits

The employee's salary, including the payment frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, etc.), should be clearly stated. Any additional benefits offered, such as health insurance, pension contributions, or bonuses, should be detailed. Relevant sections of the CBA that govern minimum wage and benefit levels should be referenced.

Working Hours and Leave

The standard working hours per week and per day should be defined. Any overtime policies, including compensation rates and authorization procedures, should be specified. Details regarding vacation leave, sick leave, and other forms of paid leave should be outlined, referencing relevant CBA provisions.

Termination of Employment

The notice period required for termination by either party should be established, adhering to minimums set by CBAs. Potential grounds for termination with or without notice, such as misconduct or redundancy, should be outlined. Procedures for handling termination, including severance pay if applicable, should be specified.

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

If applicable, clauses regarding confidentiality of sensitive company information or intellectual property rights should be included. The employee's obligations related to protecting such information should be defined.

Dispute Resolution

The process for resolving any disagreements arising from the employment contract should be outlined. This may involve internal mediation or escalation to external authorities.

Additional Considerations

The contract should include a clause specifying the governing law applicable to the employment contract, typically Faroese law. The contract should be drafted in Faroese or a language understood by both parties. It's recommended to seek legal counsel to ensure the contract complies with Faroese labor laws and best practices.

In the Faroe Islands labor market, probationary periods in employment contracts are permissible, but there's no overarching legislation dictating specific terms. Employers and employees can mutually agree to a probationary period of up to three months. This period serves as a trial phase for both parties to assess suitability for the role.

Legality and Duration

There's no mandated requirement to include a probationary period in an employment contract. However, employers and employees can agree to a probationary period of up to three months. This period serves as a trial phase for both parties to assess suitability for the role.

Purpose and Expectations

The probationary period allows employers to evaluate an employee's skills, performance, and fit within the company culture. Employees can use this time to assess the job duties, work environment, and compatibility with their expectations.

Terms and Conditions

The specific terms of the probationary period, including its duration and expectations, should be clearly outlined in the employment contract. This ensures both parties understand their rights and obligations during this initial phase.

Termination During Probation

During the probationary period, either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment with a shorter notice period compared to after the probation ends. Specific notice requirements for probationary termination may be included in the contract or dictated by relevant collective bargaining agreements.

Importance of Clarity

A well-defined probationary period with clear expectations minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or disputes later. It allows for a smoother transition into permanent employment if both parties are satisfied.

Additional Considerations

Probationary periods are more common for new hires but may also be used for internal promotions or transfers. Employers should ensure fair and objective evaluation practices during the probation period.

In the Faroe Islands, employee confidentiality and non-compete clauses are often included in employment agreements. These clauses are designed to safeguard an employer's legitimate business interests, such as trade secrets, customer lists, and confidential information. However, they must also respect the employee's right to work and earn a living.

Confidentiality Clauses

Confidentiality clauses prohibit employees from revealing certain confidential information to third parties. This information can encompass:

• Trade secrets: Information that provides a business with a competitive edge and is safeguarded by reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
• Customer information: Data such as customer lists, contact details, and purchasing habits.
• Business plans and strategies.
• Proprietary information: Any information that is not publicly known and provides the employer with a competitive advantage.

The parameters of a confidentiality clause should be explicitly outlined in the employment agreement. It should detail what information is deemed confidential, the duration of the confidentiality obligation (which typically extends beyond the termination of employment), and the permitted uses of confidential information.

Non-Compete Clauses

Non-compete clauses limit an employee's capacity to work for a competitor or establish their own competing business after leaving the employer. These clauses are generally viewed unfavorably in Faroese law as they can restrict an employee's ability to earn a living.

For a non-compete clause to be enforceable, it must be reasonable in terms of:

• Geographic scope: The restricted area should be confined to what is necessary to protect the employer's legitimate interests.
• Duration: The restriction period should be reasonable and not exceed a few years.
• Scope of activity: The clause should be confined to protecting the employer's specific business interests and not inhibit the employee from utilizing their general skills and experience.

The Faroe Islands Employment Relations Act does not explicitly address non-compete clauses. However, Section 34, which deals with unreasonable terms in employment agreements, can be applied to challenge overly restrictive non-compete clauses.