Cross-border workers decline: Ticino's economy under pressure (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The number of cross-border workers is decreasing, but the reason is not the health tax. Ticino's economy is feeling the strain.

Contesto

TL;DR - Cross-border workers in Ticino decline due to economic challenges, not health tax. - Construction and manufacturing sectors hardest hit by labor market contraction. - Strong Swiss franc and EU uncertainties contribute to Ticino's economic difficulties. ## Key facts - Cross-border workers: Number dropped by 2.3% in Q4 2025, trend started in 2024. - Hardest-hit sectors: Construction and manufacturing, with companies announcing downsizing or closures. - Retail sector: Under pressure due to consumer habits and strong Swiss franc, leading to staff reduction. - Swiss franc: Strength makes local products and services less competitive internationally. - Construction sector: 4.5% decline in approved building permits in 2025 compared to 2024. - European standards: New standards for cross-border contracts increased costs for Ticino businesses. The decline in the number of cross-border workers employed in Ticino is not connected to the controversial health tax introduced in recent years but instead reflects the economic challenges facing the canton. According to Fulvio Augurusa, secretary of the Italian CGIL, the contraction of Ticino's labor market is the real factor behind this trend. Recent data confirms this analysis: in the fourth quarter of 2025, the number of cross-border workers dropped by 2.3%, marking a downward trend that began in 2024. The hardest-hit sectors are those traditionally reliant on cross-border labor, such as construction and manufacturing, where several companies have announced downsizing or closures. Retail, already under pressure due to changing consumer habits and the strength of the Swiss franc, has also seen a reduction in staff. This critical situation is evident at major border crossings like Brogeda and Ponte Tresa, where morning traffic...

Dettagli operativi

Ticino's economic difficulties cannot be ignored. A major burden is the strength of the Swiss franc, which makes local products and services less competitive in international markets. This issue is particularly felt by exporting companies, which represent a significant portion of Ticino's economy. Furthermore, uncertainties surrounding Switzerland's relationship with the European Union, including bilateral agreements, continue to foster a climate of instability. Another significant factor is the real estate market, where rising costs for office and residential spaces are impacting both businesses and workers. Recent cantonal regulations aimed at promoting sustainable construction, while commendable from an environmental perspective, have led to higher initial costs for companies in the construction sector. 📊 Key data: In 2025, the construction sector saw a 4.5% decline in approved building permits compared to 2024. These figures highlight the complexity of the economic situation and the need for timely interventions. Among the most impactful regulations is the introduction of new European standards for cross-border contracts, which have increased costs for Ticino-based businesses employing cross-border workers. These additional costs could further prompt companies to rethink their employment plans, potentially affecting job opportunities for residents across the border.

Punti chiave

In this context, it is crucial for cross-border workers and companies to prepare for future challenges. For workers, investing in personal training and continuously updating skills can make a difference, especially in a market increasingly focused on innovation and high-value-added services. 💡 Practical tips for cross-border workers: - Consider specific training paths, such as courses offered by SUPSI or local institutions. - Review employment contracts to assess the impact of potential regulatory changes. - Factor in the effect of the Swiss franc-euro exchange rate on purchasing power and savings. For those concerned about how recent economic changes might affect their monthly budget, we recommend using our salary calculator. This tool helps you understand your take-home pay, factoring in all tax and contribution deductions. Stay updated with us on all the economic and fiscal news affecting Ticino and cross-border workers!

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real cause of the drop in cross-border commuters in Ticino?
According to the secretary of the Italian CGIL, Fulvio Augurusa, the contraction of the Ticino labor market is the real factor behind this phenomenon.
What is the impact of the strength of the Swiss franc on job opportunities for cross-border commuters in Ticino?
The strength of the Swiss franc makes Ticino's products and services less competitive, affecting in particular exporting companies, which represent an important slice of the local economy. This can lead to staff reductions, affecting job opportunities for cross-border commuters, especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors, where declines of 4.5% and 2.3% respectively have already been recorded.
Which sectors in Ticino are hiring fewer cross-border commuters?
The sectors most affected by the reduction in cross-border workers in Ticino are construction and manufacturing. Several companies in these areas have announced downsizing or closures, leading to a decline in job opportunities for cross-border workers. Commerce has also seen a reduction in staff.
How do the new rules on cross-border contracts affect cross-border workers?
The introduction of new European standards for cross-border contracts has increased costs for Ticino companies employing staff from Italy. This could lead companies to revise their employment plans, negatively affecting future job opportunities for cross-border workers.
What can cross-border commuters do to adapt to the Ticino labour market?
To meet the challenges of the Ticino labour market, cross-border commuters should invest in continuous training and updating of their skills, especially in innovative and high value-added sectors. Evaluating specific training courses and carefully analyzing employment contracts is recommended.

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