How many jobs will Novartis cut?

Novartis will cut up to 130 jobs at the Basel site by the end of 2027. These cuts concern the production of low-volume organic produce in the Kleinbasel district. Since 2018, the group has eliminated a total of almost 3,000 jobs in Switzerland.

What is the main reason for the cuts?

The cuts are due to the expiration of leases at the Kleinbasel site. Novartis will then transfer organic production activities to the Novartis Campus on the other side of the Rhine, including laboratories for biological cell banks, analytical testing procedures and technical development.

What support will Novartis offer to affected workers?

Novartis is committed to supporting interested employees with a range of offers, including a long-term social plan. The details of these support measures will be negotiated during the mandatory information and consultation process with workers' representatives and trade unions.

How can affected workers take action?

Workers should actively participate in the information and consultation processes initiated by Novartis. During this phase they can negotiate the terms of the transfer with trade union support. The Unia union offers free advice to its members to facilitate negotiation and plan the professional transition.

Novartis cuts 130 jobs in Basel (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 2 September 2026

Modern pharmaceutical production and research campus in Switzerland with contemporary architecture

Novartis announces the cut of up to 130 jobs in Basel by the end of 2027. Reason: transfer of activities to Novartis Campus and expiration of contracts.

Context

In short

Novartis to cut up to 130 jobs by the end of 2027 in Basel
Reason: expiration of Kleinbasel contracts, transfer to Novartis Campus
Since 2018: nearly 3,000 layoffs by Novartis in Switzerland

Key facts

What: Job cuts in low-volume biologics production
When: By the end of 2027
Where: Basel, Kleinbasel district
Who: Novartis (pharmaceutical group)
Number: Up to 130 jobs

Novartis announces the cut of up to 130 jobs at its Basel site. The decision was communicated on Wednesday by the Swiss pharmaceutical group and will take effect by the end of 2027. Due to the expiration of lease contracts in the Kleinbasel district, the production of low-volume biologics will be abandoned at the current site. This is part of a broader production reorganization strategy that Novartis has been pursuing for years.

The biological production activities will not completely disappear from Basel: they will be transferred to other production sites worldwide. Meanwhile, several divisions will transfer their operations from the Kleinbasel district to the Novartis Campus, located on the other side of the Rhine. Among the activities involved are laboratories for biological cell banks, analytical testing procedures, and offices dedicated to technical development.

This transfer represents the continuation of previously announced plans to build a new center specializing in the technical development of biologics at the campus. This center will integrate with the existing biologics research center within the structure.

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Operational details

A worrying trend for Swiss employment

The announcement by Novartis comes nine months after the previous major job cut in Stein, in Aargau. Since 2018, the group has eliminated nearly 3,000 jobs in Switzerland. This figure reflects a corporate restructuring strategy that has been ongoing for years and significantly impacts the Swiss job market.

The cuts since 2018 represent a total of nearly 3,000 lost jobs. The Swiss pharmaceutical sector is directly affected by the loss of qualified employment in companies of the caliber of Novartis. Restructuring in large companies indirectly influences the local economy and cantonal social services.

The position of the unions

The union Unia has expressed "alarm at the continued dismantling of production jobs in Switzerland." The union's request is clear: Novartis should refrain from layoffs and ensure the continuation of employment for workers at another site in northwestern Switzerland, rather than transferring production abroad.

This position highlights the issue of relocation: the transfer of production to other countries raises doubts about the long-term effects on Switzerland's productive capacity. For workers directly affected, negotiation during the consultation phase will be crucial to obtain the maximum possible support. Workers should also verify how any salary changes will impact Swiss wages and salaries through the online calculator available.

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Key points

Rights during the consultation process

The information and consultation process initiated by Novartis is mandatory and represents the crucial moment in which workers and unions can negotiate the terms of the restructuring. During this phase, employee representatives have the right to discuss with the company the aspects of the restructuring, including possible alternatives to layoffs.

The long-term social plan announced by Novartis must be presented and negotiated during this consultation phase. It is in this context that workers will be able to understand in detail what forms of support will be made available to facilitate the transition. The right to consultation is a fundamental guarantee for workers in the context of restructurings of this magnitude.

Role of unions in negotiations

The union Unia represents an essential point of reference for Novartis workers affected by the restructuring. Unia provides free advice to its members to negotiate the conditions of the transfer and the social plan. Those who are not members of a union can still request the support of company union delegates during the scheduled consultation meetings.

Union advice is completely free, and representatives can help workers understand their rights, negotiate the best possible conditions, and plan the transition to new employment. Coordinated action during the consultation phase increases the bargaining power of employees and improves the prospects of a favorable occupational transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs will Novartis cut?: Novartis will cut up to 130 jobs at the Basel site by the end of 2027. These cuts concern the production of low-volume organic produce in the Kleinbasel district. Since 2018, the group has eliminated a total of almost 3,000 jobs in Switzerland.
What is the main reason for the cuts?: The cuts are due to the expiration of leases at the Kleinbasel site. Novartis will then transfer organic production activities to the Novartis Campus on the other side of the Rhine, including laboratories for biological cell banks, analytical testing procedures and technical development.
What support will Novartis offer to affected workers?: Novartis is committed to supporting interested employees with a range of offers, including a long-term social plan. The details of these support measures will be negotiated during the mandatory information and consultation process with workers' representatives and trade unions.
What is the Unia union asking for?: Unia is asking Novartis to give up layoffs and continue employing workers at another site in northwestern Switzerland, rather than transferring production abroad. The union said it was "alarmed at the continuous dismantling of production sites in Switzerland".
How can affected workers take action?: Workers should actively participate in the information and consultation processes initiated by Novartis. During this phase they can negotiate the terms of the transfer with trade union support. The Unia union offers free advice to its members to facilitate negotiation and plan the professional transition.