More than 90 people are expected to lose their jobs at the Finnish Food Agency (Ruokavirasto) as part of a savings plan.
The agency estimates it will have to terminate 93 jobs, with the layoffs set to take effect by Sept. 30 and no later than Nov. 30, 2024. That’s a better figure than an initial assessment in April that said up to 143 jobs were at risk.
The Finnish Food Agency said it would suspend all employees, except those involved in meat inspection, for two weeks later this year, a move that will also mean job changes.
More efficient operations
Finnish Food Agency CEO Leena Räsanen said the aim was to stabilise the agency’s finances.
“Between 2024 and 2028, the Food Agency’s expenditures will exceed state budget and revenue fund resources. Despite past savings and identified savings opportunities, the Authority’s economic position over the next few years is weak and further savings in the Authority’s operating expenses are necessary to achieve balance. Savings measures will inevitably impact the capacity of the Food Agency’s various functions. As resources decrease, reduced service levels cannot be entirely avoided.”
In addition to layoffs and job cuts, officials are exploring other savings by considering investments, travel costs and service purchases.
The Finnish Food Agency plans to reduce and streamline operations, operations and functions in all business divisions. The Agency employs around 1,000 professionals in various fields across 20 locations. Its operating costs in 2024 will be €79.5 million ($86.5 million).
The agency must save about 4.4 million euros ($4.8 million) in 2024. In line with the proposal from 2025 to 2028, it aims to save 10 million euros ($10.9 million) a year in operating costs.
JUKO, Trade Union Pro and the Japan Welfare Sector Workers’ Union (JHL) have criticised the Food Agency for not trying to avoid cuts that would affect staff numbers and plans to outsource IT services.
Tapani Lyutikainen from JUKO (the Public Sector Expert Negotiating Organisation) said the proposed measures were “disproportionate” and would not help achieve lasting economic equilibrium.
Impact of the Norwegian strike
Meanwhile in Norway, around 300 employees at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) recently went on strike.
Officials warned that the strike by 287 staff was causing delays in services and case processing, but all staff have now returned to work. Affected areas include work in slaughterhouses and border control.
The Norwegian Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademie) announced that Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Tonje Brenna had called off the strike.
The strikes affected about half of Norway’s chicken and turkey production and up to 30 percent of pork production. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said issues included animal welfare, food supply, food waste and the economic impact on farmers and producers.
At some border control points, the capacity of veterinarians to inspect animals and animal products entering Norway has been reduced, which has also affected the issuance of export certificates for seafood.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said it was unable to respond to or investigate accidents or emergencies such as outbreaks, and was also unable to respond to immediate notification of food and feed incidents in other European countries.
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