Metso will start employee discussions regarding temporary layoffs and personnel reductions of its Mining and Construction Technology personnel in Tampere and Helsinki, Finland.

The negotiations will affect all personnel at Metso Minerals Inc a total of approximately 1000 blue collar and white collar employees.

According to the tentative plan, Metso is preparing for temporary layoffs of varying durations and for permanent reductions of approximately 80-100 positions.

Since the spring 2009 personnel negotiations, the Mining and Construction Technology segment’s Finnish operations have been adjusted by ending temporary labor contracts, and by permanent and temporary layoffs. Additionally, other adjustment measures such as flexible working hours, advancement of annual leave and the limitation of leased labor, were carried out in collaboration with the personnel. Unfortunately, these measures have not proved sufficient in the current market situation. The aim of the personnel negotiations now starting is to adjust Mining and Construction Technology operations to correspond with the demand outlook of our customer industries.

Possible alternatives to reductions will be examined in the negotiations. In addition, the extent to which the adjustment measures target the different personnel groups will be clarified during the negotiations. The objective is to ensure that the personnel’s professional skills and the quality of Metso’ customer service remain at a good level.