Post dismantles the classic benches – the machines are coming

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Everyone knows for himself: The frequency of going to the post office to send a package or pay the bills is less and less. Fewer and fewer people are using traditional Swiss Post services. With the results: While there were 1,300 branches in 2016, there are now 772 branches.

“We’re not shutting down – we’re transforming,” Post boss Roberto Cirillo (51) said at a media conference. “Classic keys with glass are increasingly needed,” he tells Blick. In the future, there should be more access points of different types, such as collection points or package machines at Migros. So it will be more digital. According to Cirillo, in the last year alone, deposits in the vault have fallen by a fifth.

Which prices are increasing?

Swiss Post wants to tighten parcel and letter prices for 2024. According to Cirillo, this is because the prices of logistics, raw materials and energy have increased significantly due to inflation. Employees are also paid more. Post boss: “2023 will be one of the most financially challenging years for Post.”

The yellow giant needs to earn more money to continue fulfilling his mission. This is the reason for the increase in the prices of letter and parcel post.

The postmaster cannot yet explain how high that will be. Because this also depends on the price monitor. One thing is for sure: the prices of individual products will also be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible that parcel prices will increase more than letter prices. “Price rates vary by type of product – both for letters and parcels.”

Cirillo believes higher prices will not be a burden for Swiss households. “A household spends less than 5 francs a month on postal services.” Price increases are primarily borne by commercial customers. However, prices for private or business customers are legally interdependent. Therefore, the prices of both increase.

More room required for maneuver

For the future, the question arises what tasks the Swiss Post still has to perform. In 2040, the same services will likely no longer be required in the postal business. The letter business has shrunk 35 percent since 2016. Swiss Post expects package volumes to increase in the long term.

It therefore calls for a certain scope of action in the new postal law. “Policy must set the right framework conditions,” says Cirillo. «Swiss Post has proven in 175 years that it can adapt.”

Source :Blick