Finnish Transport and Communications Agency to Begin Cooperation Negotiations
On 2 December 2020, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom is set to begin cooperation negotiations concerning almost its entire staff. The objective of the negotiations is to help balance the agency's budget and safeguard the continuity of its core operations and the provision of services to citizens and organisations. Possible personnel reductions could affect up to 120 members of Traficom's staff.
The purpose of the planned budget-balancing measures is to ensure that the agency can continue to serve Finland’s citizens and organisations. The proposed changes to structures and tasks also aim to take into account the needs of the future. In addition to the possible reduction of up to 120 employees, the negotiations will seek to cut costs by adopting more efficient operating practices and improving existing processes. The measures discussed during the negotiations will not include changes to the number of regional offices.
Despite the planned and implemented cost-saving measures, the agency estimates that its costs will significantly exceed its budget in 2020 and the following years. Given the increasingly challenging situation with regard to government finances, no budgetary funding increases are expected.
The agency foresees that the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic will lead to lower revenue in 2020 and 2021, with the transport sector continuing to be significantly affected until at least 2023.
The agency has indicated that it would assist any personnel made redundant with finding new employment. The agency has started planning the supportive measures for those affected by possible personnel reductions, and these will be an important subject during the negotiations.
The content of the negotiations will not be made public while the process is ongoing. The negotiations are scheduled to conclude by 20 January 2021. A press release regarding the outcome of the negotiations will be made available to the media and on Traficom's website following an announcement to the agency’s personnel.
Enquiries
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s media service, tel. +358 29 534 5648.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom promotes traffic safety and a well-functioning transport system and ensures that everyone in Finland has access to high-quality, secure and reasonably priced communications connections and services. The agency is also an authority in permit, licence, registration and supervisory matters related to transport and communications. Traficom helps advance the digital transformation and supports sustainable development. The agency employs 974 experts in 15 locations across Finland.