LAB University of Applied Sciences to initiate change negotiations

The revenue development of the LAB University of Applied Sciences in terms of research, development, and innovation (RDI) funding and tuition fees has not met targets. In addition, the operating environment of the university of applied sciences has become increasingly challenging. The need for financial adjustments is 6 million euros.

The change negotiations aim to ensure LAB’s operating conditions in the long term and LAB’s ability carry out its mission effectively in a changed operating environment. 

A broader examination of activities will aim to determine matters such as ensuring the competitiveness of LAB's design and fine arts expertise. The plan is to assess education and RDI activities as a whole in relation to future needs of the professional world and increasing competition for students and external funding. 

LUT University will initiate change negotiations focusing on University Services at the same time as LAB. University Services provide administrative and support services for both LUT University and the LAB University of Applied Sciences, which purchases its support services from LUT University.

Negotiations concern the entire staff  

The change negotiations concern all LAB University of Applied Sciences staff members on the Lahti and Lappeenranta campuses – 722 employees in all. More specifically, 420 of them are part of the teaching staff and 302 are part of the expert and support staff. 

According to the employer's initial estimate, the negotiations may lead to terminating the employment of up to 70 staff members (30 from teaching and 40 from expert and support staff) and making up to 20 full-time positions part-time (10 from each staff group). Moreover, measures such as layoffs and unilateral changes to essential terms of employment will be considered.

Negotiations start in October

The change negotiations will start on 7 October 2026, and they are expected to take approximately eight weeks. The ultimate duration will depend on the progress of the negotiations.