Fazer: collaboration negotiations have ended

Helsinki / FI. (fg) Finnish Fazer Group´s collaboration negotiations concerning white-collar and upper white-collar employees have been concluded. As a result of the changes to be effected, 49 positions will be terminated. Initially, Fazer had estimated a need to terminate 61 work assignments (see b:eu on 2014-08-21). This has taken place due to a need to respond to the quick and extensive changes in Fazer´s operational environment and to secure the company´s profitability and maintain competitiveness. Fazer has over 6’600 employees in Finland of which 1’300 are white-collar employees. The collaboration negotiations affecting white-collar and upper white-collar employees working for Fazer´s food service, bakery, confectionery and cafe businesses and the group functions in Finland have been concluded. The reorganisation of job roles will result in the termination of 49 white-collar and upper white-collar positions. Initially, Fazer had estimated a need to terminate 61 work assignments. Fazer has over 6’600 employees in Finland of which 1’300 are white-collar employees. «We will support individually those whom the termination of employment will affect since we want to further their chances of relocation», says Mika Videman, HR Director of Fazer Group. The need for negotiations was a consequence of the quick and extensive changes in Fazer´s operational environment. Consumer behaviour and clients´ expectations have changed, price competition has become fiercer and Fazer´s net sales growth has stagnated due to the weakening purchase power and declining total consumption. The aim is to improve competitiveness and secure profitability by developing products and services based on consumers´ and customers´ needs. Fazer has also previously taken measures to renew structures, cut fixed costs and improve efficiency.