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04.07.2025 13:50

Standing together in times of uncertainty

How will the workplace and its people survive when border closures lead to a second round of layoffs right after the coronavirus pandemic? Atma Trade shop steward Alain Christian Nsengiyumva feels that mutual solidarity and union support are irreplaceable.

For Atma Trade Oy, whose operations and business relied mainly on cross-border trade with Russia, the border closure caused an immediate and severe disruption. Supply chains collapsed, contracts were lost, and revenue plummeted as trade ground to a halt.

With no viable alternative markets ready to replace the cross-border Russian trade, the company faced critical financial strain, forcing it to make difficult workforce reductions.

For many workers at Atma Trade Oy, layoffs were an all-too-familiar hardship. The economic strain caused by Finland’s border closure with Russia marked yet another wave of uncertainty, coming not long after the difficult workforce reductions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The anxiety wasn’t new, but the impact was just as real.

As a PAM representative at Atma Trade Oy, I saw firsthand how fatigue, frustration, and concern weighed on employees. Some had already rebuilt after previous layoffs, only to find themselves facing unemployment again. My role was clear: to stand with my colleagues, provide guidance, and ensure they had the support they needed.

When Layoffs Become a Recurring Reality

Unlike the suddenness of the pandemic workforce cuts, this new round of layoffs carried a different kind of weight. Employees had seen it before, and the emotional toll of facing the same uncertainty again was undeniable. Questions arose, not just about severance and reemployment, but about stability, resilience, and the long-term prospects for workers in industries affected by border policies.

Throughout this process, Juha Lokko, Organizational Officer at the Kouvola PAM office, was instrumental in providing much-needed support and guidance. He kept both employees, and the company informed about labor laws, ensuring that every step taken was fair and transparent. His advice helped workers understand their rights, navigate severance negotiations, and explore their options for reemployment.

Juha’s expertise wasn’t just appreciated by the employees, it was recognized by the company as well. His clear and professional approach contributed to a smoother, more constructive dialogue between workers and management during a tense period. His ability to provide clarity and reassurance played a significant role in helping employees move forward with confidence.

Looking back, I’m proud of how we handled the crisis together and moved on!

The Importance of Workplace Solidarity

One of the hardest parts of this experience was watching valued colleagues, some of whom had already overcome COVID-era job losses, face yet another setback. It reinforced an unfortunate truth: economic shifts often place workers in vulnerable positions, and too many employees are left navigating these crises alone.

In these moments, workplace solidarity became more than just a concept, it became a necessity. Supporting each other went beyond formal discussions; it was about simple acts of encouragement, sharing job leads, reviewing contracts, and ensuring that no one felt abandoned in the process.

Thanks to the guidance of PAM representatives, employees had a stronger foundation to weather these challenges.

Strength Through Experience

If these repeated workforce reductions have taught us anything, it’s that resilience is built together. The strength of a workplace isn’t just measured in productivity; it’s reflected in how employees support one another in difficult times.

While uncertainty remains, what’s clear is that fairness, transparency, and worker advocacy matter now more than ever. Employees deserve stability, and no worker should face these challenges alone.

I’m grateful to PAM for the tools, advice, and strength they provided during that time and even more grateful to be part of a union that doesn’t just speak for workers, but stands with them, especially when it matters most.

Why Every Worker Should Join PAM

After seeing colleagues face layoffs twice in such a short period, I’ve come to appreciate just how important it is to have a strong support system. PAM provides workers with guidance, advocacy, and collective strength, ensuring that employees aren’t left to navigate uncertainty alone.

The support of PAM professionals has made a tangible difference, showing the true value of union representation. Whether it’s securing fair treatment, negotiating better conditions, or simply knowing that you have someone in your corner, PAM stands with workers every step of the way. If you’re not yet a member, now is the time to join.

This blog post is written by Alain Christian Nsengiyumva, Shop steward at Atma Trade Oy

Keywords:

staff representatives unemployment

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