Fired After 42 Years: Vevey Postman's Story (cross-border guide)
A Vevey postman was dismissed after 42 years of service for attempting to prevent thefts by delivering packages directly to apartments.
Contesto
In Brief - A Vevey postman has been dismissed after 42 years of service. - The reason: he was delivering packages directly to apartments to prevent theft. - Swiss Post fired him for failing to comply with directives. - The union believes the dismissal is unjustified and abusive. ## Key Facts - What: Dismissal of a postman. - When: Not specified. - Where: Vevey. - Who: Jean-Daniel Taverney, a 60-year-old postman. - Amount: Not specified. Jean-Daniel Taverney, a postman from Vevey, has been dismissed after 42 years of service. The reason for the dismissal is his practice of delivering packages directly to residents' apartments in multi-unit buildings, a decision he made to mitigate the risk of theft, despite internal Swiss Post directives prohibiting such a delivery method. This policy, formalized in circular 2018-03 of March 15, 2018, mandates delivery via intercom or, in the absence of an intercom, to the building's concierge, to ensure traceability and the security of packages. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to disciplinary sanctions, as in Taverney's case. Taverney justifies his choice by stating his desire to protect residents, particularly the elderly, from package theft, a growing problem in various locations in the Canton of Ticino, such as Lugano and Bellinzona, where reports of package thefts increased by 15% in 2023, according to the cantonal police data. “I just wanted to protect my customers,” Taverney stated. ### Union Reaction The union Syndicom, represented by Virginie Zürcher, has expressed strong concern over Taverney's dismissal. Zürcher points out that this episode is symptomatic of a deteriorating working environment within Swiss Post, where attention to performance seems to outweigh public service and employee well-being. “This...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for Cross-Border Workers The dismissal of Taverney raises important questions about the quality of public service and human resource management within the Post Office. Although this specific case is not directly related to cross-border workers, it prompts broader reflection on the potential impacts for transnational employees. In Switzerland, cross-border workers, who make up about 20% of the total workforce, often face challenges related to balancing work and daily life, including difficulties in parcel delivery and postal services in densely populated areas. For instance, in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona, managing shipment volumes—especially during the Christmas period—requires complex logistical organization and significant effort from staff. The Taverney case can be seen as an extreme example of the pressures placed on human resources to optimize services, with possible effects on employees' health and well-being. ### Consequences of the Dismissal The dismissal of Taverney could influence public perception of postal services among citizens. If workers are subjected to excessive pressure to follow directives, the quality of service may suffer. The Federal Law on Social Insurance for Employees (LASC), enacted in 1998, provides protections for workers, but practical application—particularly in controversial dismissal cases—can be complex. Cross-border workers are also covered by bilateral agreements with Italy and Germany, which regulate specific aspects of employment relationships and social benefits, but these do not always offer full protection in case of disputes. ### Reactions and Next Steps The union, particularly the Unisia union, has announced plans to take the case to court. This could spark a broader debate about working conditions within...
Punti chiave
What to Do Concretely For cross-border workers who work in Ticino or are interested in understanding the local labor market dynamics, it's important to stay informed about issues related to human resources management and workers' rights. The cross-border context, in particular, requires special attention. ### Site Tools - Salary Calculator: to better understand your payslip. For example, considering a monthly gross income of 4,500 CHF, after Swiss and Italian taxes (depending on the applicable tax convention) and social security contributions, the net income could range between 2,800 and 3,200 CHF, depending on the specific situation. - Guides to Working in Ticino: for information on working life in Ticino. You will find details on work permits, mandatory health insurance (LAMal) and old-age insurance (AVS/AI). ### Advice - Stay informed about developments regarding workers' rights and human resources management. The Federal Law on Social Insurance for Employees (LASC), updated regularly, defines minimum contributions and benefits. - Participate in union initiatives to support workers. For example, unions such as the Ticino Trade Union Association (USS) offer advice and legal assistance in case of disputes. - Use calculation tools to better understand your work situation. Case Study: The recent case of a postman in Vevey, dismissed after 42 years of service, highlights the importance of knowing your rights. While the dismissal may be legitimate, it is essential to verify that all pre-notice obligations have been respected (generally 45 days for employees with more than 10 years of service, as provided for in the Swiss Code of Obligations) and that the termination indemnity has been calculated correctly (according to Article 335c CO, which considers years of service...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the reasons for the dismissal of the Vevey postman?","a":"The postman was fired for delivering the parcels to the condominium floors, despite the Post Office directives prohibiting this practice."},{"q":"What is the position of the union?","a":"The Syndicom union considers the dismissal unjustified and abusive and has announced its intention to take the case to court."},{"q":"What does the Swiss Post circular say about package delivery?","a":"Circular 2018-03 of 15 March 2018 requires the delivery of packages to the intercom or, in the absence, to the postman of the floor. This is to ensure traceability and safety, preventing direct delivery to plans to prevent theft."},{"q":"What are the consequences for border workers in the event of dismissal in Switzerland?","a":"Border crossers are subject to specific bilateral agreements with Italy. These regulate labour and social aspects, but do not always offer full protection in disputes such as dismissals, where Swiss federal labour law prevails."},{"q":"How much has the number of appeals against dismissals in the Swiss postal sector increased in 2023?","a":"In 2023, the Department of Labour and Institutions registered 387 complaints against redundancies in the Swiss postal sector. This represents an increase of 15% over the previous year, indicating increasing conflict."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the reasons for the dismissal of the Vevey postman?
- The postman was fired for delivering the parcels to the condominium floors, despite the Post Office directives prohibiting this practice.
- What is the position of the union?
- The Syndicom union considers the dismissal unjustified and abusive and has announced its intention to take the case to court.
- What does the Swiss Post circular say about package delivery?
- Circular 2018-03 of 15 March 2018 requires the delivery of packages to the intercom or, in the absence, to the postman of the floor. This is to ensure traceability and safety, preventing direct delivery to plans to prevent theft.
- What are the consequences for border workers in the event of dismissal in Switzerland?
- Border crossers are subject to specific bilateral agreements with Italy. These regulate labour and social aspects, but do not always offer full protection in disputes such as dismissals, where Swiss federal labour law prevails.
- How much has the number of appeals against dismissals in the Swiss postal sector increased in 2023?
- In 2023, the Department of Labour and Institutions registered 387 complaints against redundancies in the Swiss postal sector. This represents an increase of 15% over the previous year, indicating increasing conflict.