VR to phase out conductors from local train services. Photo: Eelis Berglund / Lehtikuva
- Next Article Finnish Navy to lead Nato drills on unmanned systems near Hanko
State-owned rail operator VR will dismiss 130 train conductors in the Helsinki region following the conclusion of restructuring talks that began in April. The decision affects staff working on local routes operated under contract with the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL).
The affected conductors will be offered the option to retrain as security guards, VR confirmed on Monday. The changes are part of a broader shift in how local trains will be staffed, with security personnel replacing conductors from summer 2026.
In total, around 150 conductors were involved in the negotiations. The redundancy notices are expected to take effect by spring 2025.
“The aim of this reform of the service model is to raise safety on commuter trains to an excellent level again,” said Anu Punola, Director of Commuter Transport at VR.
Punola said that the nature of the conductor’s role on local services has changed significantly. She noted that frontline staff are now more involved in managing disruptions than in providing passenger assistance. Many customer service tasks, she added, are now handled through the HSL mobile app.
The plan to restructure staffing led to a two-day strike in May, organised by conductors represented by the JHL union. Union representative Håkan Ekström criticised the move at the time, arguing that it amounts to replacing one group of workers with another covered by a different and cheaper collective agreement.
VR denied cost-cutting as the motive for the change. Punola insisted the decision was made to improve passenger safety in response to growing concerns over onboard incidents.
VR will continue operating HSL commuter trains under its current contract until 2031. Security services for the trains, however, are expected to be
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
