In February 2022, jobs were cut at Zimmer Biomet, followed by another reduction in December 2023. In September 2024, more employees lost their jobs. Now, a restructuring of unprecedented magnitude is taking place, affecting approximately 80% of the workforce, which the Swiss Employees Association views with great concern, especially regarding the region.
The environment for the Swiss medical technology industry is challenging: a strong Swiss Franc, high production costs, and increased tariffs. These conditions are real yet do not explain why a location is downsizing in stages over four years, culminating in a dramatic cut within a short time. When manufacturing with longstanding expertise is relocated abroad, Switzerland loses substance that cannot be regained.
"Winterthur is losing industrial jobs at multiple sites in a short time, significantly increasing the responsibility of Zimmer Biomet. We expect a consultation process in which alternatives are seriously examined, a social plan genuinely matching the scale, and a clear statement on which functions will remain in Winterthur," says Tanja Riepshoff, lawyer at Swiss Employees.
"Simultaneously, we see the political realm as responsible, needing to commit to Winterthur as an industrial site and actively work to preserve jobs," says Tanja Riepshoff.
The demands of Swiss Employees:
We demand that a site strategy is disclosed promptly, including objectives, timeline,
and remaining functions in Winterthur, combined with retaining manufacturing expertise.
Retain expertise in the country: With each relocated production line, Switzerland loses
substance.
We expect Zimmer Biomet to consider this in its decisions.
A still solid social plan for the entire process: We demand, together with employee
representation,
an examination to ensure the existing social plan adequately mitigates the impact of the current mass
layoff.
Involve the workforce: We demand regular and complete information, as well as the inclusion of
employee representation before any further downsizing step, regardless of legal thresholds.
Where possible, jobs should be retained. At the very least, we expect Zimmer Biomet to provide
well-funded outplacement for all affected, so they are not left alone in transitioning to new roles.
We call on political leaders to actively promote the preservation of manufacturing in Switzerland
and
the Winterthur industrial site, engaging for relevant jobs and expertise at the location. We will
measure their success.
Beyond these measures, the site primarily needs one thing: a perspective for those who remain. After four rounds of downsizing over four years, no one in Winterthur knows whether they will be affected in the next round. We are holding those responsible accountable.