Pirkanmaa welfare region concludes co-determination talks affecting over 1,300 jobs

The Pirkanmaa welfare region (Pirha) has concluded its latest round of co-determination negotiations, with potential changes affecting up to 1,355 employees, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

No layoffs were sought in these talks, but job losses remain possible for those who refuse to accept significant changes to their employment terms. Adjustments may include pay, working hours, job titles, duties, or workplace locations. Most changes will take effect this spring and autumn, though some could extend into 2027.

Pirha justified the negotiations as part of operational restructuring and standardising employment contracts. Regional council chair Hanna Tainio (SDP) previously told Yle that many staff still held outdated contracts from before Pirha’s establishment, requiring harmonisation.

The talks, which began in February covering nearly 3,000 employees, ultimately affected roughly half that number. The welfare region employs around 18,000 people in total. Negotiations concluded without agreement, and the regional council will address the matter on Monday.

This marks the latest in a series of co-determination talks at Pirha. Previous negotiations in December 2025, focused on hospital services, initially threatened 140 jobs, though most affected staff were later reassigned. To date, Pirha reports 31 job terminations resulting from these processes.