Union warns HaminaKotka port layoffs could threaten security

The Public and Welfare Sectors Union JHL says possible layoffs at the HaminaKotka port company could pose a security risk, as the company considers cutting 22 jobs, Yle reports.

The proposed cuts would affect a third of the company’s workforce and employees who provide mooring and unmooring services for vessels. Most of those workers belong to JHL.

JHL contract specialist Jussi Päiviö said the layoffs could lead to more subcontracting at the port, bringing in people whose backgrounds might not be properly checked. Finland’s Security and Intelligence Service has paid increasing attention in recent years to screening people working at ports, the union said.

The company has cited the end of Russian fertiliser shipments as one reason for the change negotiations. Chief executive Eija Rossi has also pointed to the EU Port Services Regulation, which is opening mooring and unmooring services to greater competition. The services in Kotka and Hamina are still provided by the port company.

Päiviö said some ports that have outsourced the services are considering bringing them back in-house. He questioned why the HaminaKotka port company would move in the opposite direction.

Change negotiations, which began in September, are nearing their end. The final discussions between the parties could take place on Friday. Workers’ representatives say cutting more than 20 jobs would be excessive and have offered to explore alternatives, including broadening existing job descriptions and developing work-time arrangements.

JHL considers the mooring and unmooring services critical to port security. Päiviö said he hopes that concern will influence the negotiations and reduce the number of layoffs.