Finnish Customs has announced potential layoffs affecting up to 140 employees at the eastern border, a decision that was anticipated by the workforce. According to Ari Hooman, a local union representative, the announcement made Thursday by the employer was not unexpected, as personnel were aware that the Customs agency did not receive additional budgetary funding from the government's supplementary budget. This lack of funding has resulted in the necessity for Customs to halt assignments that were being conducted during the border restrictions, particularly since most border-crossing sites remain closed.

The eastern border personnel have been on assignment in other Customs offices across Finland for nearly two years, particularly after Finland closed its border crossings with Russia in response to geopolitical tensions. The cessation of these assignments means that there will be no work available for those employees, except for the freight traffic nodes of Vainikkala and Niirala. Hooman characterized the proposed layoffs as the most realistic option given the circumstances, indicating that the situation is a direct consequence of prolonged border closures, which have significantly impacted Customs operations.