Negotiations underway for employee terminations in Varsinais-Suomi welfare area affecting 220 staff members

The ongoing negotiations for employee terminations in the Varsinais-Suomi welfare area (Varha) will significantly impact the terms of employment for 220 staff members, as announced during a personnel information session this morning. The changes mainly affect employees who are not directly involved in client services. Additionally, smaller adjustments are anticipated for a larger group of workers. Varha employs around 24,000 individuals.

The personnel information meeting is currently in progress. Varha is facing a budget deficit that is expected to exceed 160 million euros this year, prompting the welfare area to look for continuous cost-saving measures. The goal is to reduce this year’s deficit to 130 million euros, which has led to the adoption of various savings packages. Earlier this spring, Varha decided to abandon plans for layoffs following a proposal from officials that was rejected by the regional council.

Meanwhile, the Hospital District of Uusimaa (HUS), responsible for specialized hospital care in the region, also announced this week the outcomes of its negotiations, which include savings measures amounting to 50 million euros. Nearly 1,000 jobs are affected by the negotiations in Uusimaa.