The Eastern Uusimaa welfare area's governing board has decided to start a six-week co-determination negotiation process affecting the entire workforce. The discussions are taking place as part of necessary measures due to economic pressures, with the possibility of up to 50 layoffs, and potential furloughs impacting the entire staff. This could significantly affect the well-being services provided across the municipalities of Askola, Lapinjärvi, Loviisa, Myrskylä, Porvoo, Pukkila, and Sipoo.

All staff from the welfare area, numbering approximately 2,600 to 2,800 employees across various positions, will be involved in the negotiations. The governing board's decision also involved acknowledging the initial status report of a productivity program, which will now be sent to the regional council for further consideration and action. The productivity program likely aims to address financial challenges while maintaining essential services to the community.

If implemented, these layoffs and potential furloughs could have wider implications for local health and social services, potentially straining available resources and affecting the quality of care. The regional council will need to address these challenges urgently to ensure continuity of services, and the outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched by employees and the municipalities involved.