A union boss accused the government of sending the message that expert opinions and workers' rights are of no importance.File photo of Finland's Parliament House in Helsinki. Image: Yle/Aino KontioYle NewsSTT16:45The Finnish Parliament approved a controversial law regarding fixed-term employment contracts on Wednesday.The votes fell 93-78, with 28 MPs absent.Opposition parties — including the SDP, Centre, Left Alliance, Greens and Movement Now — voted against the measure.Among other things, the law change will make it possible for employers to terminate fixed-term employment contracts of up to one year, if it is the employee's first such contract with the employer.Unions and women's groups have also been concerned about the effects of the law on discriminating against pregnant workers and employees aiming to take parental leave.The government has justified the law change, contending that it would strengthen the operating conditions for small- and medium-sized businesses, as the threshold for employment is lowered.On Wednesday the chair of the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals (Tehy), Millariikka Rytkönen, sharply criticised the government about the new law.She accused the government of ignoring public criticism and pushing the law through without having real discussions with experts who did not agree with the plans.According to Rytkönen, the government is sending a message that expert opinions and workers' rights are of no importance.The Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ) characterised the easing of fixed-term employment contracts as a serious mistake. The OAJ said it considers the law change unjustified and harmful to the predictability and equality of working life.The new law also means that employers will no longer need to provide justification for offering fixed-term contracts rather than permanent ones.