Tromsø to reduce 150 full-time positions as municipality faces financial challenges

Tromsø’s municipal director, Stig Tore Johnsen, confirmed that the municipality will proceed with the planned reduction of 150 full-time positions this year. Currently, 136 positions have been identified for cuts, affecting various departments: 15 to 20 in administrative roles, 24 in “childhood, education, and culture,” 38 in urban environment, and 60 in health services. The remaining positions to be cut are still being determined after thorough assessments.

The governing parties in Tromsø have agreed on the list of cuts, with a decision to protect services for children and youth. Johnsen acknowledged that residents will notice the absence of these positions but emphasized that there are no plans to close any services outright. Some services may see reduced hours and altered accessibility, but the goal is to minimize significant impacts on residents.

Thomas Birkeland, chair of the health and welfare committee, expressed satisfaction with the process of reducing positions, asserting the necessity of the cuts due to the municipality’s financial state. Currently, Tromsø is facing a projected operating deficit of 92 million kroner for the first four months of 2024, a situation reflected in broader trends where three out of five municipalities in Norway reported deficits last year.

Trade union representatives have supported the cuts after extensive dialogue with the municipality. Concerns were voiced about the potential for layoffs, particularly within the health sector, but there is a recognition that some cutbacks are inevitable to address the ongoing financial challenges.