Major reorganization at Tamedia
TX Group subsidiary Tamedia has announced the closure of two of its printing plants, in Bussigny and Zurich, resulting in the loss of 200 printing jobs by 2026. At the same time, 90 positions will also be eliminated in the group's editorial departments, a restructuring aimed at adapting the company to digital challenges.
Tamedia, which will retain only its Berne printing facility, justifies this decision by persistent overcapacity in its facilities. The reorganization is part of a strategy focused on developing four major digital brands: 24 Heures, Tages-Anzeiger, BZ Berner Zeitung and Basler Zeitung. However, the future of other titles such as La Tribune de Genève and Le Bund remains uncertain, although they are not yet threatened with closure.
Union and political reactions
This announcement provoked a wave of indignation. Trade unions, notably Syndicom and Impressum, strongly criticized the decision, denouncing profit-oriented management at the expense of jobs and media diversity. Tamedia's French-speaking editorial teams also strongly opposed the plan, describing the restructuring as "mortifying" and calling for an urgent review of the planned measures.
The political authorities of Vaud and Geneva have expressed their concern, citing the risk of a significant impoverishment of the press in French-speaking Switzerland and calling for consultation with Tamedia's management.
Redundancy plans in the pipeline
Tamedia has drawn up social plans to support affected employees, including early retirement opportunities and retraining programs. The total cost of restructuring is estimated at 29.9 million Swiss francs. Consultation with the editorial teams is scheduled to begin in September 2024, with the first redundancy announcements planned for October.
