EMCC case studies - Corporate social responsibility in managing the transition to a market economy: Eesti Põlevkivi Ltd

Eesti Põlevkivi Ltd (EP) is a state-owned company, primarily involved in oil shale mining in the Ida-Virumaa region of Estonia. The company was established in 1920 and was, for many years, the largest employer in Estonia. It continues to have particular relevance for the Ida-Virumaa region as the largest employer, offering higher than average salaries for this part of Estonia and often employing entire ‘family dynasties’. In 1999, EP had 7,034 employees. Today, as a result of restructuring, this number has been reduced to 3,500.