Finland's state railway operator VR is shutting down its commuter train unit in Riihimäki, triggering forced relocations for dozens of train drivers. The company claims the restructuring will improve work efficiency and balance night shifts, but the Railway Union calls the move disproportionate and legally questionable.
VR announced the closure following change negotiations affecting 96 train drivers in total. The company states no one will be laid off, but 28 commuter train drivers face mandatory transfers to Helsinki, while 21 others will see their job descriptions substantially change. VR Logistiikka operations will continue in Riihimäki with 67 drivers.
The Railway Union (RAU) strongly opposes the decision. Union representatives argue VR failed to demonstrate sufficient economic grounds for the forced transfers. They claim the company justified the restructuring with savings equivalent to just three person-years of work.
RAU contends the savings could have been achieved through negotiation and unit mergers without compulsory relocations. The union also questions VR's efficiency claims, noting that 67 logistics drivers will continue working in the same Riihimäki facilities.
Training complications present another major concern. Drivers transitioning to logistics roles require hundreds of hours of training, but currently Riihimäki cannot even provide the basic 57-hour training package. Union officials estimate it could take years before transferred drivers can properly perform logistics shifts.
The dispute highlights Finland's unique labor negotiation system. Under Finnish law, change negotiations cannot be suspended even when grounds appear insufficient. The union's only recourse involves post-negotiation monitoring and potential legal challenges.
This situation reflects broader tensions in Finland's public transport sector. As operators seek efficiency gains, workforce flexibility often clashes with established labor protections. The Riihimäki case demonstrates how restructuring decisions can create complex human resource challenges.
For international readers, this dispute offers insight into Finland's highly unionized labor market. Approximately 70% of Finnish workers belong to trade unions, giving labor organizations substantial influence over workplace changes. The mandatory change negotiation process represents a key feature of Finnish employment law.
What happens next? The union plans to challenge the decision through available legal channels. Meanwhile, affected drivers face uncertain futures with potential longer commutes or completely changed job responsibilities. The outcome could set precedents for similar restructuring efforts across Finland's transport sector.