Filipino welder faces uncertain future in Kajaani after employer announces layoffs

A Filipino welder who built a new life in Kajaani now faces an uncertain future after his employer, Škoda Transtech, launched redundancy talks affecting 200 workers—roughly a third of its staff.

Rosauro Coronacion, a welder at the Otanmäki plant, had finally reunited with his partner and two children in Finland last October after working in Kajaani for over two years, reports Yle. His plan had been to establish a life in Finland and bring his family once his finances and job situation allowed.

“I’m happy now because after work, I can spend time with my children, play outside, and give them a better life,” he said. His brother also joined him in Finland, working at the same plant as a welder.

But in May, Škoda Transtech began negotiations that could cut 200 jobs, citing prolonged uncertainty over Helsinki’s tram procurement tender. If Coronacion loses his job, he will have six months to find new employment or leave Finland. His residence permit, valid for over two years, grants him a six-month grace period under Finnish Immigration Service rules.

Four months ago, Coronacion was promoted to a foreman role, overseeing work quality, safety, and schedules while still performing welding tasks. He remains confident he could find another job in Finland but acknowledges the difficulty of starting over.

“I’ll stay here as long as the company needs me,” he said.

Foreign workers like Coronacion have brought families to the area, noticeable in local schools and daycare centers, according to Mikko Komulainen, Škoda Transtech’s chief shop steward. The Otanmäki branch of the Industrial Union has begun sponsoring a multicultural football team to help workers integrate.

Kajaani officials describe the situation as serious. Škoda Transtech, which manufactures rail vehicles and employs around 600 people, is a major local employer. Job losses could reduce tax revenue and increase unemployment costs, said acting city manager Joni Partanen. The city formed an emergency restructuring group in late May to mitigate the impact of layoffs.

In March, Terrafame, a battery chemical and multi-metal company in Sotkamo employing around 800, announced up to 100 redundancies. The restructuring group’s chair, Raimo Piirainen, called the overall situation “extremely serious.”

Coronacion said he remains determined to find a way forward for his family. “That’s why I’m not giving up. I’m looking for a path ahead and continuing the life we’ve started in Finland.”