SBB Cargo confirms Chiasso operations, staff to be reorganized

Context

In brief

• FFS Cargo confirms the presence of the depot in Chiasso
• Reorganization announced with changes in personnel
• Possible closure postponed to 2027

Key facts

• What: Confirmation of the FFS Cargo site in Chiasso with personnel changes
• When: Decisions expected on May 19, 2026, possible closures from 2027
• Where: Chiasso, Canton Ticino
• Who: FFS Cargo, director Roberta Cattaneo
• Amount: Not specified

In the context of the Swiss Federal Railways (FFS) freight transport reorganization announced last year, the Chiasso freight depot remains operational, but with some uncertainties regarding the employed personnel. The reorganization had already led to the closure of eight terminals in Switzerland, including those in Cadenazzo and Lugano, with a loss of about forty full-time jobs in Canton Ticino.

The committee "No to the dismantling of FFS Cargo in Ticino" has reported anticipation of new cuts and a possible closure of the Chiasso facility, resulting in further job losses. However, the director of FFS Southern Region, Roberta Cattaneo, reassured that "Cargo will remain in Chiasso" and that details will be presented at a press conference in Bellinzona on May 19.

During the meeting, the new production model planned from December 13, 2026, will be illustrated. This model aims to make single wagon traffic more efficient by increasing train occupancy, reducing costs, and maintaining service at the national level. It remains confirmed that there will be changes in the personnel structure, which "will remain present in the border town but with a different workforce than the current one."

Previously, a possible closure of the Chiasso depot had been considered, but an FFS spokesperson clarified that this should not happen before 2027. The final confirmation of this eventuality depends on the conclusion of contracts with the main customers, who represent 70-80% of the traffic volume.

Since 2026, a new combined transport service has been active with four daily connections between Stabio and Dietikon, in Canton Zurich, as part of the ongoing restructuring. This serves to increase transport capacity and make the best use of existing infrastructure, unlike the Lugano and Cadenazzo terminals, which did not have the necessary infrastructure for such capacity increases.

Public assembly and mobilization

The committee "No to the dismantling of FFS Cargo in Ticino" invites the public to participate in the public assembly on May 19 at 8:30 pm at the Cinema Teatro in Chiasso. It will be a moment of solidarity with FFS workers and an opportunity to discuss immediate mobilization actions.

Operational details

The recent news about the confirmation of FFS Cargo's headquarters in Chiasso and the changes planned in the staff reflect directly on the lives of workers, many of whom are cross-border residents in Italy. The reorganization of personnel, even if it does not involve an immediate closure, represents a source of occupational uncertainty and could influence the labor market in the transfrontier region.

Implications for cross-border workers

Many cross-border workers with a G or B permit employed by FFS Cargo in Chiasso may have to face contract changes or reassignments. The reduction or change in staff could affect job stability, with potential effects on AVS, LPP, and LAMal contributions. A personnel reorganization could also influence source tax procedures, considering contract and hourly changes.

From a tax perspective, maintaining the headquarters in Chiasso is a positive signal for the economic stability of the Canton Ticino, which is also important for cross-border workers who benefit from the new 2026 double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Italy. However, changes in staff could require an update in the management of Ticino benefits and INPS contributions in Italy.

Comparison with the previous situation

Compared to the closure of terminals in Cadenazzo and Lugano, which has already resulted in a loss of about forty jobs, the confirmation of the permanence of the Chiasso depot is a sign of continuity. However, the fact that the staff will undergo changes makes this continuity less reassuring. The new production model, scheduled for December 2026, aims to increase the efficiency of freight transport, but could translate into a different occupational structure.

The new line between Stabio and Dietikon, with four daily connections, represents an important development for combined transport, and could positively influence transfrontier logistics, also facilitating cross-border workers in managing their movements and job stability.

These changes highlight the need for cross-border workers to closely follow the developments of FFS Cargo and inform themselves about contract and regulatory changes that could directly affect their work and contributory situation.

Future scenario

The potential closure of the Chiasso depot, although postponed to 2027 or later, remains a point of attention. In the meantime, the staff will be revised, and new opportunities or difficulties for cross-border workers may emerge. The announced mobilization by the Committee indicates a strong interest and concern climate, which directly involves families who cross the border daily, with reflections on traffic at border crossings such as Brogeda and Gaggiolo.

The confirmation of the FFS Cargo headquarters in Chiasso is a positive signal for the economic stability of the Canton Ticino, which is also important for cross-border workers who benefit from the new 2026 double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Italy. However, changes in staff could require an update in the management of Ticino benefits and INPS contributions in Italy.

The new production model, scheduled for December 2026, aims to increase the efficiency of freight transport, but could translate into a different occupational structure. The new line between Stabio and Dietikon, with four daily connections, represents an important development for combined transport, and could positively influence transfrontier logistics, also facilitating cross-border workers in managing their movements and job stability.

These changes highlight the need for cross-border workers to closely follow the developments of FFS Cargo and inform themselves about contract and regulatory changes that could directly affect their work and contributory situation.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

For cross-border workers employed in Chiasso within the FFS Cargo sector, it is crucial to prepare for upcoming changes and to understand the procedures to follow in order to protect their employment as well as fiscal and social security aspects.

What to do in the coming months

1. Attend the public assembly: On May 19th at 8:30 pm at the Cinema Teatro in Chiasso, this is an important opportunity to get informed directly and engage with representatives and colleagues. 2. Monitor official FFS communications: The press conference scheduled in Bellinzona will provide details on organizational changes and personnel matters. 3. Consult a tax and labor expert: To understand the impact of the changes on withholding tax, Ticino tax rebates, and INPS contributions, it is advisable to seek advice from professionals experienced in cross-border regulations. 4. Check your work permit: Contractual changes or transfers may require updates to your G permit or B permit.

Useful documents and procedures

• Employment contract: keep it updated and check for modification notices
• Tax certificates: verify the accuracy of deductions and contributions
• G/B permit: update if the work location or employer changes
• AVS/LPP/LAMal contributions: ensure proper contributions in case of any changes

Practical tools for cross-border workers

To better manage these phases, Frontaliere Ticino offers tools such as the tax calculator to simulate withholding tax and verify rebates, and the guide to work permits to understand differences between the G permit and B permit. It is also useful to regularly check traffic updates and crossing times (Brogeda, Gaggiolo) to organize daily commutes.

Preparing in advance and staying informed about regulatory and corporate news is essential to minimize disruptions and ensure job continuity, especially in a context of corporate restructuring and evolving cross-border dynamics.

Source: ticinonews.ch