Zimmer Biomet cuts in Winterthur, Unia in the field (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Zimmer Biomet plans 580 job cuts out of 730 positions in Winterthur
• Unia demands maintaining a core company for 'Swiss Made'
• Cantonal elections in spring: union will assess politicians

Key Facts

• What: Elimination of 580 jobs out of 730 at Zimmer Biomet
• Where: Winterthur, canton of Zurich
• Who: Zimmer Biomet (orthopedic medical devices), Unia union
• Timeline: Consultation ongoing; cantonal elections spring 2027
• Statement: Serge Gnos, co-head of Unia Zurich-Shaffhausen

Zimmer Biomet, a multinational specializing in orthopedic medical devices, has announced the possible elimination of 580 jobs out of 730 at its facility in Winterthur, in the canton of Zurich. The reaction was immediate: the Unia union has called it unacceptable that workers pay the price for enriching anonymous shareholders of a multinational group.

The shareholders' strategy

Over the past four years, Zimmer Biomet has pursued a consistent strategy aimed at increasing shareholder value through substantial share buybacks and dividend distributions, according to Unia's accusation. The multinational's focus on global profits stands in stark contrast to local employment risks.

The union participated in the ongoing consultation process and proposed an alternative: maintain in Winterthur a sufficiently large core business to allow Zimmer Biomet to continue selling its products as 'Swiss Made' on the global market. This is not merely about preserving jobs, but also about protecting the Swiss quality brand that Zimmer Biomet uses as a competitive advantage.

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Operational details

The Role of Trade Unions in the Swiss Labor Market

Unia's position reflects the central role that trade unions play in protecting workers' rights in Switzerland. Although the unionization rate varies by sector and canton, organizations like Unia have decision-making power in company consultations and can influence public debate on critical employment issues.

In the case of Zimmer Biomet, the ongoing consultation represents an opportunity for Unia to negotiate alternatives to massive layoffs. The request to maintain a core business unit is not merely symbolic: it reflects awareness that relocating production to countries with lower costs is a common practice among multinational corporations, but that a manufacturing base in Switzerland is essential to maintain expertise, skilled employment, and added value linked to 'Swiss Made'.

Swiss Made: Beyond Marketing

The 'Swiss Made' brand has concrete implications not only for Zimmer Biomet's marketing, but for the entire Swiss economy. Products labeled as 'Swiss Made' command higher commercial margins in global markets thanks to the perception of quality and precision. If Zimmer Biomet transferred production entirely abroad, it could lose this advantage — or it would need to reimport from foreign subsidiaries and still claim the Swiss brand, which regulations allow only with precise origin requirements.

The Challenge for the Canton of Zurich

Zimmer Biomet is an industrial company with a long tradition in Winterthur. The planned layoffs place the Canton of Zurich before a choice: passively accept relocation, or negotiate with the multinational to preserve skilled employment and local tax base. Gnos has launched an explicit appeal to the authorities of Winterthur and the Canton of Zurich to mobilize during the ongoing consultation.

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Key points

What to do as a worker in Switzerland affected by employment crises

If you work in the manufacturing sector or multinational companies in Switzerland, the cuts announced by Zimmer Biomet remind us of the importance of monitoring signals of company stability and knowing your rights.

Union membership: Joining a union organization such as Unia (in the private sector and industry) or other unions relevant to your sector offers protection during restructuring consultations. Unions have access to official processes and can negotiate exit conditions, seniority protection and retraining plans.

Participation in consultations: If your company initiates a consultation process (as in the Zimmer Biomet case), read all distributed documents and participate in information meetings. Company committees and union representatives provide regular updates.

Monitoring benefits and pensions: In case of dismissal in Switzerland, it is essential to verify the status of your company pension fund (LPP/BVG) and unemployment insurance coverage managed by cantonal offices (SECO coordinates federal benefits).

Retraining opportunities

Many Swiss cantons, including Zurich, offer professional retraining programs funded by unemployment or regional funds. If a company informs you of imminent cuts, contact your cantonal employment office to learn about training paths available in your sector or related sectors. Portals such as our job opportunities archive help map open positions in Switzerland.

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