Information bulletin, 20 March 2020

Pilke Daycare Centres commences co-operation negotiations concerning temporary lay-offs due to the exceptional circumstances caused by COVID-19

Pilke Daycare Centres commences co-operation negotiations, the purpose of which is to prepare for the economic instability caused by the spread of COVID-19 and for the possibly required special arrangements. Pilke’s personnel were notified about the negotiations on Thursday 19 March, and the negotiations will commence on Wednesday 25 March 2020.

For the time being, Pilke’s operations continue as normally as possible. The commencement of the co-operation negotiations is a precautionary measure which aims at securing our operating conditions in case the exceptional circumstances caused by COVID-19 last for a long period of time. The co-operation negotiations do not affect the operation or opening hours of our daycare centres or other units.

Lay-offs are possible if a decision to close daycare centres is made by the municipal authorities or the Government, or if families’ need for early childhood education and care services decreases remarkably. However, according to our current estimate, not all lay-offs would be implemented at once. If lay-offs become necessary, they will be implemented gradually so that the operation of all our daycare centres and after-school clubs can continue as normally as possible.

For now, Pilke’s daycare centres and after-school clubs operate normally and comply with the municipal guidelines. We monitor the situation closely and adhere to the provided instructions. Any lay-offs are regrettable, but their purpose is to secure Pilke’s capacity to maintain our employees’ employment relationships even after the exceptional circumstances.

Further information:

Minna Martikainen, CEO, Pilke Daycare Centres, Tel. +358 44 521 2159

minna.martikainen@pilkepaivakodit.fi