The newspaper carriers of Epsilon, a subsidiary of La Poste, protested this morning in front of the premises of the yellow giant of Montbrillant. The reason: a drop in wages as they continued to distribute newspapers to subscribers every morning during the Covid-19 pandemic. An unwelcome decision when the Federal Chambers are debating indirect aid to the press. In particular, it provides for a subsidy of up to 40 million francs for the distribution of newspapers.
Newspaper carriers have a lot on their hearts. While they continued to work for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, they are now facing a drop in wages. Two hundred newspaper carriers are affected by this restructuring, 80 in Geneva and 120 in Lausanne. A plan deemed unfair for employees already weakened as explained by Anna Gabriel, union secretary for UNIA.
The UNIA union is now demanding the withdrawal of this restructuring plan.
Faux pretext
As a reminder, in early May La Poste, owner of Epsilon, announced to Geneva and Lausanne staff reductions in salary. The reason for this restructuring: the chronic deficit in the morning distribution of newspapers, undermined by the crisis the press is currently going through. A false pretext for Alessandro Pelizzari, regional secretary of UNIA, who recalls the grants to come from the Confederation.
La Poste already pinned
In 2018 and 2019, a long struggle by Epsilon employees against a cut in wages had paid off. The company was forced to pay the minimum wages of the standard work contract and 600,000 francs in arrears. La Poste had been fined 180,000 francs for not respecting the minimum wage.
Federal grants
The ball is now in the court of the National Council. The Council of States has already voted the principle of subsidy of 40 million francs which must in particular be used to cover the deficits of this service. But for the National Socialist Councilor Christian Dandrès, no question for the Confederation of subsidizing wage dumping. He points the finger at the double game of La Poste which wishes to profit as a federal agency from a federal subsidy, but which withdraws part of the public service from subsidiaries which practice a questionable salary policy.
Swiss Post open for discussion
Contacted, Swiss Post indicated to be in discussion with all the social partners. She also says she is ready to receive their suggestions and recommendations until July 10. Details on the situation of Epsilon, spokesperson for Swiss Post Nathalie Dérobert.
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