Early thaw halts timber harvesting as forestry workers face layoff warnings

An unusually early spring thaw has forced forestry companies in central Finland to suspend logging operations and issue layoff warnings to employees, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Ground conditions have deteriorated rapidly, with soil softening weeks ahead of schedule. In regions like Central Finland, North Savo, and North Karelia, weight restrictions—typically set at 12 tonnes—have been imposed on roads to prevent damage, though essential transport remains exempt.

Hannu Hokkanen, CEO of Veljekset Hokkanen Oy in Kangasniemi, described the situation as unprecedented. “All plans have been upended,” he said, noting that last week the company was forced to issue layoff warnings to its entire workforce due to uncertainty over when operations can resume. Normally, logging continues until Easter, but this year’s thaw has arrived far earlier.

Aki Laaja, CEO of Metsä-Multia, confirmed similar disruptions in Central Finland. “Winter vanished overnight,” he said, estimating that 2–3 weeks of work will be lost. The company expects to resume normal operations around May Day, provided the ground dries sufficiently. Until then, layoffs and adjusted work hours are likely.

Road authorities predict a near-normal thaw season for most of Finland, though northern regions may face more severe conditions. The early melt follows a winter with unusually low snowfall, further complicating forestry work.