Over 40 municipalities in French-speaking Switzerland have joined forces to oppose the closure of local post offices. This coalition, which includes prominent towns such as Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Sion, Delémont, and Biel/Bienne, has formally called on parliamentarians to reconsider the universal service mandate of Swiss Post. The municipalities are advocating for a clear definition of Swiss Post's operational scope before any further restructuring takes place, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible postal services for their communities.
The decision to close 170 post offices across Switzerland has sparked outrage among local leaders, who argue that these facilities are vital to the fabric of their communities. They contend that Swiss Post is straying from its core mission of providing proximity and extensive services to citizens. The municipalities have expressed their concerns in a press release, stating that the closures undermine the essential role post offices play in fostering vibrant local environments. As the situation unfolds, the municipalities are calling for a re-evaluation of Swiss Post's responsibilities to align them more closely with the expectations of the public.
The planned closures are part of a broader trend that could see one in five Swiss post offices shut down over the next four years. By 2028, projections indicate that only 600 post offices will remain operational in Switzerland, a significant reduction from the current number. This downsizing is particularly pronounced in French-speaking regions, where over 70 of the closures are set to occur. The municipalities affected are urging for immediate action to prevent the erosion of postal services that many residents rely on for daily transactions.
Swiss Post has defended its decision, citing a decline in customer visits and counter transactions as key factors necessitating the closures. The organization aims to maintain a network of 2,000 serviced locations, which includes 600 directly operated offices, down from the current 770. The remaining locations will consist of partnerships with subsidiaries. This strategic shift is seen as a response to changing consumer behaviors, particularly the reduced demand for traditional postal services in an increasingly digital world.
The financial health of Swiss Post has also come under scrutiny, with a reported drop in group profit from CHF295 million in 2022 to CHF254 million in the current year. This decline is attributed to a decrease in letter and parcel volumes, further complicating the organization's ability to sustain its extensive network of post offices. The financial pressures faced by Swiss Post highlight the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving market while trying to meet the needs of local communities.
As the municipalities continue to voice their opposition, the future of postal services in Switzerland hangs in the balance. The coalition's efforts to engage with parliamentarians may lead to a re-evaluation of Swiss Post's operational framework, potentially influencing the direction of postal services in the country. The outcome of this situation will not only affect the municipalities involved but could also set a precedent for how postal services are managed in the face of declining demand and financial constraints.