Migros: 'Immigration is vital for Ticino'

Context

In brief

• Migros relies on immigration for retail
• 60% of Micarna are foreigners, 90% in processing departments
• 1,000 vacancies in Ticino

Key facts

• What: Need for immigration in retail
• When: Interview with 'Schweiz am Wochenende'
• Where: Switzerland, with a focus on Ticino
• Who: Mario Irminger, CEO of Migros
• Amount: 60% foreigners in Micarna, 90% in processing departments

Mario Irminger, CEO of Migros, expressed his opposition to the SVP initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!' in an interview with 'Schweiz am Wochenende'. According to Irminger, immigration is crucial for retail and the food industry. 'We need a certain level of immigration, even just to maintain the current level of performance in retail,' he stated. The company currently has around 1,000 vacant positions, mainly in bakeries and the meat and dairy processing sectors.

Dependence on immigration

Currently, around 60% of Micarna, the Migros Industrie company specializing in meat production, are foreign citizens. In the processing departments, the percentage rises to 90%. 'We already depend on them today, and this will also be the case to fill the gaps that will arise in the future,' Irminger added. Without immigration, there is a risk that service and offerings will decrease, with shorter opening hours, fewer branches, or a more limited selection.

Challenges and prospects

Irminger acknowledges that immigration also brings certain challenges, but a maximum ceiling on the population, as requested by the SVP initiative, would create new problems. In the coming years, many employees will retire, further increasing the need for personnel. 'In the coming years, many employees will retire, further increasing the need for personnel,' he added, recognizing that immigration in Switzerland also brings certain challenges.

Impact on the labor market

Migros' dependence on immigration highlights a broader problem in the Swiss labor market. With an aging population and a decline in births, Switzerland increasingly relies on immigration to maintain its workforce. This is particularly true for sectors such as retail and the food industry, where the demand for labor is high.

International comparisons

Unlike other European countries, Switzerland has a relatively open immigration system, which allows it to attract qualified workers from all over the world. However, this system has been questioned by some political parties, which argue that immigration is putting a strain on infrastructure and public services. The SVP initiative is an example of this growing opposition to immigration.

Future scenarios

If the SVP initiative were to pass, the consequences for the Swiss labor market could be significant. Migros and other companies could find it difficult to recruit the necessary personnel, which could lead to a reduction in services and an increase in prices. This could have a negative impact on the Swiss economy as a whole, especially in regions like Ticino, where retail is a key sector.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers employed in Switzerland, the UDC's initiative could have significant implications. A cap on the population might limit job opportunities for foreign workers, making it harder for them to find employment in Switzerland. This could negatively impact the income and career prospects of cross-border workers, particularly in sectors like retail and the food industry.

Detailed Analysis

To better understand the impact of immigration on the Swiss labor market, it's useful to examine the most recent data. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2025, approximately 25% of the Swiss population was composed of foreigners. This number is steadily increasing, primarily due to the immigration of qualified workers from EU and EFTA countries. However, immigration is not the only factor influencing the Swiss labor market. Aging populations and declining birth rates are also contributing to a growing demand for labor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, immigration is a crucial factor for the Swiss labor market, especially in sectors like retail and the food industry. The UDC's initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!' could have significant consequences for the Swiss labor market, particularly for cross-border workers employed in Switzerland. It is important that Swiss authorities find a balance between the need to attract foreign workers and the need to protect public services and infrastructure.

Operational details

Impact on the Ticino Economy

Immigration is a fundamental pillar for the economy of the Canton of Ticino, especially in the retail and food industry sectors. Migros' dependence on foreign workers highlights how essential immigration is to maintaining competitiveness and the quality of services offered. Without an adequate flow of foreign labor, the sector could face serious challenges, including reduced opening hours, branch closures, and a more limited product selection.

Comparison with Other Swiss Regions

Unlike other Swiss regions, Ticino has a relatively young population and a strong presence of foreign workers. This is partly due to its proximity to Italy, which facilitates the immigration of Italian workers. However, other Swiss regions also depend on immigration to maintain their workforce, especially in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare.

Challenges and Opportunities

Immigration brings both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the influx of foreign workers can put considerable strain on infrastructure and public services, especially in urban areas. On the other hand, immigration can bring new skills and talents, contributing to economic growth and innovation. It is important that Swiss authorities find a balance between the need to attract foreign workers and the need to protect public services and infrastructure.

Detailed Analysis

To better understand the impact of immigration on the Ticino economy, it is useful to examine the most recent data. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2025, approximately 25% of the Ticino population was composed of foreigners. This number is constantly increasing, mainly due to the immigration of Italian workers. However, immigration is not the only factor influencing the Ticino economy. Aging population and declining birth rates are also contributing to a growing need for labor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, immigration is a crucial factor for the Ticino economy, especially in the retail and food industry sectors. Migros' dependence on foreign workers highlights how essential immigration is to maintaining competitiveness and the quality of services offered. It is important that the Ticino authorities find a balance between the need to attract foreign workers and the need to protect public services and infrastructure.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

Procedure for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who wish to work in Switzerland, it is important to follow a series of steps to ensure that their stay and employment are regular. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Obtain a work permit: Cross-border workers must obtain a work permit from the Canton where they intend to work. This permit is generally valid for a limited period and must be renewed periodically. 2. Register with local authorities: Once they have obtained the work permit, cross-border workers must register with the local authorities of the municipality where they reside. This step is necessary to obtain an official address and to access public services. 3. Open a bank account: Cross-border workers must open a Swiss bank account to manage their finances. This account will be used to receive their salary and to pay bills and other expenses. 4. Health insurance: Cross-border workers must take out Swiss health insurance. This insurance is mandatory and covers medical and hospital expenses. 5. Taxes and contributions: Cross-border workers must pay taxes and social security contributions in Switzerland. This includes withholding tax, AVS and LPP contributions, and other mandatory contributions. 6. Renewal of the work permit: Cross-border workers must renew their work permit periodically. This step is necessary to ensure that their stay and employment in Switzerland are regular.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who wish to work in Switzerland, there are several useful tools available. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Net salary calculator: This tool allows you to calculate the net salary after taxes and social security contributions. It is useful for planning your finances and for comparing job offers.
• Health insurance comparator: This tool allows you to compare the different health insurances available in Switzerland. It is useful for finding the insurance that best suits your needs and budget.
• Guide for cross-border workers: This guide provides useful information on the steps to follow to work in Switzerland. It is useful for those who want a complete overview of the procedures and requirements.

Conclusion

Working in Switzerland as a cross-border worker can be a rewarding experience, but it requires good preparation and knowledge of the procedures and requirements. By following the steps described in this guide and using the available tools, cross-border workers can ensure that their stay and employment in Switzerland are regular and problem-free. For further information and to use the useful tools, visit the Frontaliere Ticino website.

Source: tio.ch