Co-Operation Ombudsman
In addition to monitoring compliance with the Act on Co-operation within Undertakings, the role of the Co-operation Ombudsman is to develop and improve co-operation in companies. The supervision of the personnel funds and the maintenance of the personnel funds register are also responsibilities of the Ombudsman.
The Cooperation Ombudsman has the right to gain all information and documentation of the matters in his supervision despite the secrecy regulations and without payment for the employer.
The Cooperation Ombudsman or the official pointed out by them has also the right to make necessary inspections in companies when regulations are suspected of being violated or when a representative of the personnel requests that for a special reason. The inspection cannot cause unreasonable inconvenience or expenses. Therefore, inspections should be agreed upon beforehand with the employer and they should be informed to the representatives of the personnel and proceeded during the normal working hours of the company. Where both the employer or its representatives and the employee representatives can prepare for the inspection by obtaining the necessary documents and reports and by ensuring the participation of the necessary persons, the inspection will be in the best position to serve its purpose.
The Cooperation Ombudsman can urge the employer to correct its illegal procedure or to prevent its repetition. He can also in certain cases bring the matter into criminal investigation or submit a request for the general court of a default fine.