On 10 August 2016, Swiss Post announced its intention to merge its three Berne-based operating units for letter processing due to falling letter volumes and increasing cost pressure. The company simultaneously initiated a consultation process which was concluded at the end of September following an extension. As part of this process, various proposals were submitted, which were reviewed in detail by Swiss Post. After assessing the proposals, Swiss Post stated that it does not see a feasible alternative to the planned operating unit merger. Swiss Post therefore decided to integrate the work of the Ostermundigen Logistics Center for Letter Processing (LCLP) into the Härkingen Letter Center and the Berne delivery office (Freiburgstrasse) in mid-2018.
The jobs in the Ostermundigen letter delivery office will be reallocated to existing operating units in the Berne area. This is expected to be complete by the end of November 2019.
Swiss Post stated that the loss of 15 full-time equivalent positions, as a result of the decision, can be absorbed by natural staff turnover. Of the 96 staff affected by the closure of the LCLP, around 40 will receive a job offer in Härkingen. The majority of delivery office staff will continue to be employed in existing operating units in the Berne area. Swiss Post reported that it will seek a meeting with affected staff to find solutions as part of its redundancy plan.
Source: Swiss Post
