North Karelia wellbeing county faces staff negotiations over €15m savings
Thursday 27th August 2026 on 17:45 in
Finland
North Karelia wellbeing services county is preparing to launch co-operation negotiations covering its entire workforce, with a savings target of at least 15 million euros for next year, Yle reports.
Wellbeing services county director Kirsi Leivonen has proposed that the county board begin the negotiations. The board will consider the proposal on 1 September.
The negotiations would examine changes to work organisation, the organisational and service structures, and employees’ duties and employment relationships.
The proposal is based on production-related and financial grounds. Its aim is to balance operations and finances while safeguarding statutory services.
“Balancing is essential. We must find ways to match the organisation of services and their costs with the funding available to us,” Leivonen said in a statement from the wellbeing services county.
The financial situation of Siun Sote, the North Karelia wellbeing services county, has been affected by an accumulated deficit of just under 60 million euros, reduced state funding and rising operating costs.
75 million euros in savings over three years
The county council has approved a programme to cover a 75 million euro deficit during 2027 to 2029.
The three-year programme to reform operations and finances will affect personnel. Those effects must be addressed under the Co-operation Act before final decisions are made.
The savings target for 2027 is at least 15 million euros. If the entire amount were taken from personnel costs, it would mean a permanent reduction of 260 full-time equivalent positions.
The wellbeing services county is nevertheless seeking savings primarily by reforming its structures and through natural staff turnover.
The county board will decide on the principles for preparing next year’s budget on 1 September. More detailed information about the adjustment needs and personnel effects will be available afterwards.
Siun Sote also held co-operation negotiations in the autumn of last year.