Swiss Post completes first round of talks with cantons over network plans
As part of its ongoing plans to develop and transform its postal network, Swiss Post has recently completed the first round of discussions with representatives from all 26 cantons (the member states which make up the Swiss Confederation). In a statement issued today (7 February), Swiss Post said that the initial findings from these talks “will be taken into consideration with regard to the second round of discussions with the cantons”, which will take place in the next few weeks.
“Until then,” added Swiss Post, “all assumptions on the development of the postal network in the individual cantons are purely speculative. Following the conclusion of these discussions, Swiss Post will conduct an initial review of the latest situation.”
Swiss Post was concerned that “speculation” by the postal unions and the media about the future development of its network would not be helpful.
“Until the conclusion of the discussions with the cantons, no statements can be made on the overall situation in a given canton,” said Swiss Post. “The maps and lists published by the trade union syndicom are therefore pure speculation and constitute a source of fear and uncertainty. This is not appropriate or constructive.”
As previously reported, Swiss Post is looking at a range of business developments. The postal operator is looking to extend its national network from 3,700 to at least 4,00o access points. However, it aims to achieve this by launching more “postal agencies” and reducing the number of “traditional post offices” from the current 1,400 to around 800 or 900 by 2020. Swiss Post has said that it “will avoid closing post offices without replacing them, and will provide alternative solutions in all cases”.
The company signed off its statement by emphasising that it “takes its social responsibility seriously and is looking for suitable solutions for the employees affected by the conversions”.
“The stated goal is to continue to avoid redundancies,” said Swiss Post.
