SBB plans job cuts in Ticino: impact on cross-border workers

Context

In brief

• SBB announces new job cuts in Ticino
• Cantonal authorities request an urgent meeting
• Possible closure of the Chiasso depot

Key facts

• What: New job cuts and possible closure of the Chiasso depot
• When: Announced for Tuesday, May 19, 2026
• Where: Canton Ticino, Switzerland
• Who: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
• Amount: Loss of dozens of jobs

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are at the center of a new controversy in Ticino. According to what was reported by Matteo Pronzini (MPS) in a letter to the State Council, SBB are preparing to return to Ticino on Tuesday, May 19, to announce new job cuts. This news has raised concerns among workers and local authorities, who have already expressed their opposition to such measures in recent months.

The context

In recent months, the State Council, the Grand Council, and many municipal authorities had expressed their opposition to new job cuts by the federal railways. Nevertheless, SBB seem to be deaf to the legitimate requests expressed by the Canton of Ticino. Pronzini has requested an immediate confrontation with the authorities to jointly discuss the actions to be taken to prevent further job cuts in the canton.

The accusations

According to the press release of the Committee No to the dismantling of SBB Cargo in Ticino, the management of SBB would treat the canton as 'a bailiwick to be exploited and plundered', reducing it to 'a simple railway corridor' and transferring 'jobs, skills, and strategic functions' beyond the Gotthard. In Ticino there would be no jobs in the central sectors, while a 'continuous and insistent centralization' of jobs not considered indispensable for the management of the line on the territory would continue.

The consequences

Among the strategic decisions defined as 'very serious', the source cites the decision of last year to abandon the terminals of Cadenazzo and Vedeggio, despite 'strong popular and institutional opposition', with the consequent loss of over 50 jobs. The situation could now worsen further with the probable closure of the Chiasso depot, with the loss of 'other dozens of jobs'. A prospect that is defined as 'a new attack against Ticino and against the public service'.

The reactions

Thanks to the mobilization promoted by the committee mentioned in the press release, the Grand Council and the State Council would have already taken a position, transmitting a clear message to SBB: 'enough with the dismantling, enough with the job cuts in Ticino, NO to the closure of the Chiasso depot'.

Operational details

Analysis of Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The FFS decisions could have a significant impact on cross-border workers employed in the rail sector in Ticino. The possible closure of the Chiasso depot and job cuts could lead to a reduction in rail services and increased congestion at border crossings such as Brogeda and Gaggiolo, already critical for commuters.

Impact on Rail Services

Centralizing strategic functions beyond Gottardo could lead to a reduction in rail services in Ticino, with negative consequences for cross-border workers who use trains to travel between Italy and Switzerland. Job losses and the closure of the Chiasso depot could also lead to increased waiting times and reduced train frequencies, making it more difficult for cross-border workers to reach their workplaces.

Impact on the Labor Market

Job cuts could have a significant impact on the Ticino labor market, with negative consequences for cross-border workers employed in the rail sector. Job losses could lead to increased unemployment and reduced job opportunities for cross-border workers, making it more difficult for them to find stable and well-paying employment.

Fiscal Impact

Job cuts could also have a fiscal impact on cross-border workers. The reduction in the number of workers could lead to reduced tax revenues for the Canton of Ticino, with negative consequences for public services and the quality of life for cross-border workers. Furthermore, the closure of the Chiasso depot could lead to reduced tax revenues for the municipality of Chiasso, with negative consequences for local public services.

Impact on Quality of Life

Job losses and the closure of the Chiasso depot could also have an impact on the quality of life for cross-border workers. Reduced rail services and increased waiting times could make it more difficult for cross-border workers to reach their workplaces, with negative consequences for their quality of life. Furthermore, reduced job opportunities could lead to increased stress and anxiety for cross-border workers, with negative consequences for their mental health.

Conclusion

The FFS decisions could have significant consequences for cross-border workers employed in the rail sector in Ticino. It is essential to consider the potential impacts on rail services, the labor market, fiscal revenues, and quality of life for cross-border workers to ensure that their rights and interests are protected.

Recommendations

1. Conduct a thorough analysis of the potential impacts of the FFS decisions on cross-border workers employed in the rail sector in Ticino. 2. Develop strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of job losses and reduced rail services on cross-border workers. 3. Ensure that the rights and interests of cross-border workers are protected through collective bargaining and social dialogue. 4. Provide support and training programs for cross-border workers who may be affected by job losses and reduced rail services. 5. Monitor the situation closely and adjust strategies as needed to ensure that the rights and interests of cross-border workers are protected.

Timeline

• Conduct analysis and develop strategies: immediate
• Implement strategies: within 6 months
• Monitor situation and adjust strategies: ongoing

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers employed in the railway sector in Ticino should closely monitor the decisions of the SBB and participate in public assemblies to express their concerns. Additionally, they should inform themselves about alternative job opportunities and support services available for workers in difficulty.

Participate in public assemblies

Cross-border workers should participate in public assemblies organized by the Committee No to the dismantling of FFS Cargo in Ticino to express their concerns and to ask the authorities to intervene to prevent job cuts and the closure of the Chiasso depot. The public assembly scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th in Chiasso is an important opportunity for cross-border workers to make their voices heard.

Inform yourself about alternative job opportunities

Cross-border workers employed in the railway sector should inform themselves about the alternative job opportunities available in the Canton of Ticino. The Ticino job market offers many opportunities in different sectors, and cross-border workers should explore these opportunities to find stable and well-paid employment. Additionally, cross-border workers should inform themselves about the support services available for workers in difficulty, such as employment centers and professional guidance services.

Use the available support services

Cross-border workers employed in the railway sector should use the support services available for workers in difficulty. Employment centers and professional guidance services can provide useful information about the job opportunities available and the support services for workers in difficulty. Additionally, cross-border workers should inform themselves about their rights and the protections available in case of dismissal or reduction of personnel.

Use the salary calculator

Cross-border workers employed in the railway sector should use the salary calculator to calculate their net salary and to compare the job opportunities available in the Canton of Ticino. The salary calculator can provide useful information about the job opportunities available and the support services for workers in difficulty. Additionally, cross-border workers should inform themselves about their rights and the protections available in case of dismissal or reduction of personnel.

For further information and to use the salary calculator, visit the Frontaliere Ticino website.

Source: tio.ch