Finnish transport company VR Transpoint has announced that it will need to temporarily fire an approximate 550 people. It has commenced negotiations to make that step possible, as the demand for rail freight transportation is weak.

The possible layoffs concern rail yard workers. In a press release, the company says that it will attempt to keep the layoffs “as short as possible”. The implementation of the plan will start by the end of March 2025, says VR Transpoint.

“Weak business cycles in industry and the uncertain market situation directly affect the demand for freight transport and future prospects. Freight transport is dependent on the cycles of heavy industry, and the generally weakened outlook for industry, especially in the forest industry, is reflected in the entire supply chain – and lowers freight transport forecasts”, the company says.