Swiss Post receives a lot of criticism for reducing its branch network
Published: Wednesday, May 29th 2024, 15:40
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Swiss Post has received a lot of criticism for the planned reduction of around 170 post offices. Trade unions, associations and political parties reacted with incomprehension to Swiss Post's plans on Wednesday and are concerned about the guarantee of the basic public service.
Sharp criticism comes from Syndicom. The union wants to do everything in its power to retain as many post offices as possible. If there is nevertheless a reduction in the number of post offices, it must be ensured that there are no redundancies.
Thanks to the natural departures in the workforce, this will undoubtedly be possible for Swiss Post, said Manuel Wyss, a member of Syndicom's management, in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency.
For the Swiss Association for Mountain Regions (SAB), the reduction of the post office network is unacceptable. In mountainous and rural areas, the network of post offices is already being thinned out too much.
Alternative offers such as branches with partners or home services would not offer the same scope of services as the company-operated branches. Post offices are also very important for payment transactions and supplying the population with cash, as more and more bank branches in rural areas are being closed, the SAB wrote.
Federal Councillor Rösti called upon to act
A reduction in post offices would mean longer journeys for the population in rural areas in particular and would lead to more traffic in the cities, said SP National Councillor David Roth (LU). Swiss Post is in a very good financial position and there is no reason to reduce its presence. The SP is calling on Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP/BE) to take action against Swiss Post's plans and safeguard the basic service.
When asked by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), Rösti did not comment on the operational business. Christian Levrat (SP/FR), former member of the National Council and National Councillor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Swiss Post, said the same.
The Federal Postal Commission (Postcom) also did not comment directly on the branch closures. It merely pointed out that all regions and the entire population must be served. The Postal Act does not stipulate the number of post offices or agencies, but only accessibility and density criteria.
Staff association concerned about public service
The Transfair staff association is not surprised by the reduction in Swiss Post's branch network. It warns that older people and people with disabilities in particular will feel the impact of the loss of public service.
With regard to possible redundancies, Transfair is demanding full transparency about Swiss Post's plans, according to the staff association Keystone-SDA. Necessary accompanying social measures must be guaranteed at an early stage and in a proven manner. In any case, solutions must be found that are satisfactory for everyone.
©Keystone/SDA
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