Petition against the relocation of Swisscom and Swiss Post (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Petition against Post and Swisscom outsourcing
• Launched by Transfair
• Request for intervention from the Federal Council and Parliament

Key facts

• What: Petition against outsourcing
• When: Recently launched
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Transfair, public sector union
• Amount: Not specified

The petition against the outsourcing of jobs abroad by Post and Swisscom was launched by the public sector union Transfair. The organization urges the Federal Council and Parliament to intervene to stop what it considers an evolution contrary to the interests of the country. Post and Swisscom, both majority-owned by the Confederation and therefore by the Swiss population, transfer jobs and know-how abroad solely to save costs, according to Greta Gysin, president of Transfair. 'In this way, Switzerland loses control over sensitive activities: and the Confederation allows both groups to act freely, instead of imposing clear rules,' adds the Ticino Green National Councillor.

Since 2022, for example, Post has transferred 130 IT jobs to Lisbon. Swisscom has outsourced over 600 positions to Latvia and the Netherlands and has opened additional offices in Kosovo, Poland, and Bulgaria. The telecom company has announced plans to open a new unit in Lisbon, while Post has had to temporarily pause its plans in the Portuguese capital until summer 2027.

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Operational details

Practical Analysis

The petition launched by Transfair raises crucial questions regarding the relocation of overseas jobs by Posta and Swisscom. These two companies, mostly owned by the Confederation, are transferring jobs and know-how abroad to save costs, a practice that the union considers contrary to the interests of the country.

Impact on the Labour Market

The relocation of IT jobs and other specialist positions abroad has a significant impact on the Swiss labour market. Since 2022, Swiss Post has relocated 130 IT jobs to Lisbon, while Swisscom has outsourced over 600 positions in Latvia, the Netherlands and opened additional offices in Kosovo, Poland and Bulgaria. This trend risks reducing job opportunities for young Swiss and compromising the quality of performance offered by the two companies.

Safety and Quality of Services Issues

Strategic and sensitive activities must remain in Switzerland to ensure the security of supply and the country. The relocation of these activities could compromise the quality of the services offered by the Post Office and Swisscom, which are fundamental for the population. In addition, the loss of specialist know-how could have negative repercussions on the safety and efficiency of services.

Petition Requests

Transfair requests that existing jobs not

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Key points

Action: What To Do

The petition launched by Transfair against the relocation of jobs abroad by Posta and Swisscom is an important step to protect the country's interests. If you are interested in supporting this cause, you can sign the petition by November 30. The petition will then be delivered to the Federal Council and Parliament in December.

Procedure for Signing the Petition

1. Visit the Transfair website: Find the petition against the relocation of jobs abroad. 2. Read the text of the petition: Make sure you understand the demands and motivations behind the petition. 3. Sign the petition: Fill out the form with your personal details and sign the petition. 4. Share the petition: Invite friends, colleagues, and family to sign the petition to increase patronage.

Practical Implications

The petition has significant practical implications for the Swiss labour market and the quality of services offered by the Swiss Post and Swisscom. Supporting this cause can help protect specialist jobs in Switzerland and ensure that strategic and sensitive activities remain in the country.

Useful Tools

To deepen the implications of the petition and better understand the dynamics of the labour market in Switzerland, you can use the following tools:

• calculator: Salary/Tax Calculator
• exchange: Comparator CHF/EUR (currency exchange)
• health: LAMal/sick fund

Support the

Source: swissinfo.ch