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Valio has announced that it will start change negotiations affecting its Finnish headquarters’ functions, technical services, maintenance and factory services. The changes are due to commence on 30 January. The negotiations include potential dismissals of employment and material changes to the terms and conditions of employment, such as changes in job descriptions or in the content of job duties. The dairy giant said that around 130 employees could lose their jobs, with the planned material changes to the terms and conditions of employment affecting up to 135 people. Valio employs about 4,300 people, 3,700 of them work in Finland. The company cited “production and economic factors,” including the “general economic situation” as its reasons for the change negotiations. Marianne Tammela, executive VP of people, strategy and innovations function at Valio, said: “The operating environment has been very challenging for us for a long time. There are several factors behind the change negotiations: the increase in Valio’s own operating expenses, weakening demand for consumer products and fall in global prices of industrial products. All of these factors have challenged our profitability. Unfortunately, for these reasons, we are forced to initiate change negotiations." She added: “Through profitable business operations, we ensure the vitality of our owners, i.e. the dairy farms, and we secure the continuity of Finnish food production. That enable us in the long run to also create jobs and livelihoods around Finland." The change negotiations are expected to take six weeks.