Migros: Immigration vital for supply guarantee

Context

In brief

• Migros relies on immigration to ensure supply
• 60% of Micarna are foreign citizens
• 1,000 vacant positions in Ticino

Key facts

• What: Need for immigration in the food sector
• When: Interview published on May 2, 2026
• Where: Switzerland, with a focus on Ticino
• Who: Mario Irminger, CEO Migros
• Amount: 60% of Micarna are foreigners, 90% in processing departments

The president of the board of directors of the Migros Federation of Cooperatives, Mario Irminger, stated in an interview with 'Schweiz am Wochenende' that the food industry and retail trade particularly depend on immigration. Irminger opposed the SVP initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!', stating that 'we need a certain level of immigration, even just to guarantee the current level of performance in retail trade'.

Impact on the labor market

In the coming years, many employees will retire, further increasing the need for personnel. Currently, around 60% of Micarna, the Migros Industrie company specializing in meat production, are foreign citizens, and in the processing departments, the percentage even reaches 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.

Consequences for cross-border workers

Without immigration, there is a high probability that service and supply will decrease, for example with shorter opening hours, fewer branches, or a more limited selection. Currently, the orange giant has around 1,000 vacant positions that are difficult to fill, with a particular need for collaborators in bakeries and in the meat and dairy processing sectors.

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Operational details

Practical Analysis

The interview with Mario Irminger highlights the dependency of the food sector and retail trade on immigration. This has significant implications for cross-border workers in Ticino, especially in sectors such as meat and dairy processing.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this statement, the debate on immigration in Switzerland was primarily focused on economic and social aspects. However, Irminger's interview has brought attention to the practical consequences for the labor market, particularly in the food sector.

Possible Scenarios

1. Increased job opportunities: With around 1,000 vacant positions in Ticino, cross-border workers could find more job opportunities, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of personnel. 2. Greater challenges for integration: The increase in the number of foreign workers could lead to integration and cultural adaptation challenges, both for newcomers and the local community. 3. Impact on immigration policies: Irminger's statements could influence future immigration policies in Switzerland, with a possible greater focus on the needs of the labor market.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers, it is important to be aware of future regulations and immigration policies that could affect the labor market. Additionally, it is crucial to prepare for job opportunities that may arise in sectors where there is a shortage of personnel.

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Key points

Concrete action

For cross-border workers interested in working in Ticino, it's important to follow some concrete steps to facilitate the application and integration process.

Steps to follow

1. Check requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as the G permit and registration with AVS. 2. Application: Look for job offers at bakeries and meat and dairy processing departments of Migros. 3. Documentation: Prepare your curriculum vitae and the necessary references for the application. 4. Assistance: Use the assistance services for cross-border workers offered by the Canton of Ticino to facilitate the application and integration process.

Useful tools

For further information and assistance, cross-border workers can use the salary calculator to compare job offers and plan their professional future in Ticino. Additionally, you can consult the guides and services offered by the website to facilitate the application and integration process.

Final CTA

To best plan your professional future in Ticino, cross-border workers can use the salary calculator to compare job offers and ensure they have all the necessary documents.

Source: tvsvizzera.it