Pirkanmaa eases foreign labour rules for construction despite high unemployment

The Pirkanmaa regional vitality centre has exempted several construction trades from labour market testing, making it easier to hire workers from outside the EU and ETA area.

The Finnish Construction Trade Union has criticised the decision, noting that over 5,000 construction workers in Pirkanmaa are currently unemployed. Union senior expert Toni Malmström argued the move overlooks available domestic labour and risks increasing wage undercutting and worker exploitation.

The exemption applies to four construction professions and one related to construction industry processes. Labour market testing normally requires employers to prioritise Finnish or EU/ETA workers before hiring from third countries.

Union data shows unemployment among concrete workers and steel fixers in Pirkanmaa stands at 36%. Lomautettu (laid-off) construction worker Mika Kivioja, who has been without steady work for nearly two years, said jobs are scarce despite the policy change.

The vitality centre defended the decision, citing upcoming public and industrial construction projects in the region, including Tampere’s tram line expansions and station area renovations. Spokesperson Tuomas Männistö said these long-term investments may require rapid recruitment of skilled labour.

Männistö noted the exemption is only one part of the work permit process and does not allow unrestricted hiring from outside the EU/ETA area.