Luhanka municipality head receives written warning for inappropriate treatment of employees

The municipal council of Luhanka, Finland, has issued a formal written warning to municipal manager Tuomo Kärnä for repeated inappropriate treatment of employees, public broadcaster Yle reports.

A working group established by the council concluded that Kärnä had engaged in inappropriate conduct toward staff over several years. According to the group’s findings, he had belittled, disparaged, and defamed employees in newspaper articles, podcasts, meetings, and discussions.

Aki Virtaniemi (National Coalition Party), deputy chair of the municipal council and head of the working group, declined to specify the incidents in question. He also would not confirm whether Kärnä had been formally notified of the warning or if he remains at work.

Kärnä told Yle he was unaware of the warning, having gone on leave after the municipality’s annual financial statement was processed on March 30. “They’ve done what they can with this matter—I have no further comment,” he said, adding that “nothing comes as a surprise anymore” given the council’s actions.

The municipal manager denied any wrongdoing, stating he had never been asked to explain the allegations. “I first need to see what this warning is even based on,” Kärnä said, while hinting the matter may not end here: “I fear this won’t be the last of it for me.” He affirmed his intention to continue as municipal manager, ruling out resignation.

The council initially addressed complaints about Kärnä’s conduct in March, following reports from four employees in early February who alleged harassment or inappropriate treatment.