Konecranes is planning layoffs

Konecranes has initiated talks about possible layoffs due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.

The company has invited Finnish works council representatives to negotiations regarding temporary layoffs which would cover all of Konecranes' Finnish operations which employ some 2,000 employees in total.

"Due to the pandemic, countries around the world have imposed extensive restrictions on the daily conduct of people and businesses. As a result, many of Konecranes' customers are limiting access to their premises, affecting Konecranes' ability to complete the installation of new equipment and perform certain service operations," says a company statement.

"Moreover, Konecranes' own manufacturing operations have been impacted by the significant and increasing measures to contain the pandemic."

In starting discussions in Finland, Konecranes says it is seeking "to explore all possible temporary measures to adjust costs to the uncertain global business environment".

"The company cannot estimate at this stage what those measures will ultimately be, but the period of temporary layoffs would be up to 90 days at most. In addition to Finland, Konecranes has already been active in reducing costs across the full scope of the company's global operations," the statement adds.

Konecranes stresses that it is fully focused on ensuring the health and safety of its employees and serving its customers worldwide, some of which play critical roles in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of food, medical supplies and other fundamentally important materials needed during this crisis.