Meyer Turku in Finland will permanently lay off 166 people, following the first part of labor negotiations sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

The number includes 86 blue-collar and 80 white-collar jobs.

Due to the shipyard’s production schedules, negotiations concerning outfitting, design and HR functions will continue and are to wrap up this year.

Meyer Turku said the corona crisis has ‘drastically’ changed the landscape of cruise operations and shipbuilding.

450 layoffs planned

In April Meyer Turku announced the goal of stretching the orderbook, then reaching to 2025, to secure work for 2025 and 2026. At the same time, the yard started negotiations to permanently eliminate 450 jobs.

Meyer Turku has put in place a transition program offering personal guidance, support and specialized training to assist laid-off workers.