Swiss Federal Railways' freight division implements significant operational changes, including job cuts and terminal closures, primarily affecting Ticino region.
"The Federal Railways says redundancies will be kept to a minimum, with most affected employees expected to be offered roles elsewhere within the company"
SBB Cargo, the freight division of Swiss Federal Railways, has announced a significant restructuring plan that will result in the elimination of 65 full-time positions. This major organizational overhaul comes as part of the company's efforts to address ongoing operational challenges and financial losses in its combined transport division. The announcement marks one of the most substantial restructuring efforts in recent years for Switzerland's national railway freight service.
The restructuring's impact will be felt most heavily in canton Ticino, where approximately two-thirds of the job cuts will be implemented. The remaining reductions will affect operations in German-speaking regions of Switzerland. The cuts will impact various positions, including train drivers, shunters, and technical inspection staff. In an effort to minimize the social impact, SBB has committed to offering alternative positions within the company to affected employees where possible, demonstrating a commitment to responsible workforce management despite the difficult circumstances.
A significant aspect of the restructuring involves the closure of eight terminals across Switzerland, affecting facilities in Basel, Oensingen, Gossau, Widnau, Renens, St-Triphon, Cadenazzo, and Lugano. While the east-west combined transport route will be discontinued, SBB Cargo will maintain its crucial north-south Alpine transport link. Container transport will continue between Dietikon and Stabio, with road transport handling the connections before and after these terminals. These changes reflect a strategic realignment of SBB Cargo's operational network to focus on core profitable routes.
The restructuring comes against a backdrop of significant financial challenges, with SBB Cargo's combined transport division currently operating at an annual loss of CHF 12 million, despite generating revenue of CHF 18 million. These figures underscore the economic pressures driving the reorganization. While the immediate focus is on cost reduction and operational efficiency, the company's commitment to maintaining key routes, particularly the vital north-south Alpine connection, suggests a strategic approach to ensuring long-term sustainability while preserving essential services for Swiss freight transport.