Kotka City Manager Esa Sirviö returns to work next Monday after medical leave. He begins with a shortened work schedule during initial weeks.
The city manager resumes duties following consultation with healthcare providers. Sirviö will use unused vacation days to reduce his weekly hours initially. Weekend work will also be limited during this period.
City Board Chairman Sami Virtanen will monitor the situation alongside Sirviö's direct supervisor. The arrangement follows standard workplace reintegration protocols.
Sirviö took medical leave in early September citing burnout symptoms. His return coincides with ongoing criminal investigations into serious drunk driving and firearms offenses.
Authorities suspect Sirviö committed these alleged crimes during his personal time in late August. The incidents occurred in Sotkamo, a municipality nearly 500 kilometers north of Kotka.
The city board will initiate official disciplinary proceedings related to the criminal suspicions. This process could result in formal warnings or other employment consequences.
City Council Chairman Jouko Rauhala confirms no council members have requested confidence review proceedings. The council maintains oversight authority over the city manager position.
During Sirviö's absence, Chief of Staff Kristina Lönnfors served as acting city manager. Other senior officials assumed some normal city manager responsibilities.
This situation creates unusual circumstances for Kotka municipal operations. A city manager facing serious criminal charges while managing Finland's tenth largest port city presents clear governance challenges.
The phased return suggests recognition that legal and professional pressures could affect work capacity. The shortened schedule provides breathing room during what becomes a complex professional and personal situation.