Swiss post worker fired after 42 years for delivering parcels to clients’ doors

Wednesday 10 June 2026 - 11:30

A Swiss postal worker with 42 years of service has been dismissed after allegedly failing to follow delivery instructions, sparking a labor dispute that could now be taken to an employment tribunal.

The employee, identified as Jean-Daniel, worked for the Swiss postal service for more than four decades before his contract was terminated at the end of May. According to his account, he was dismissed for repeatedly delivering parcels directly to customers’ doors, going against internal guidelines.

Jean-Daniel said he chose to ignore the rules because of concerns about package theft in apartment building lobbies. He argued that delivering items directly to recipients improved service quality and better served customers, even if it meant not strictly following company instructions.

His trade union, Syndicom, has defended him, describing the dismissal as unfair and abusive. The union has called for his reinstatement and plans to bring the case before a labor court.

Swiss Post, meanwhile, has stated that its internal rules are necessary to ensure a reliable and secure delivery service, particularly as parcel volumes increase and traditional mail declines. The company has also denied any connection between the dismissal and union activity.

The case highlights broader tensions in postal and logistics services across Europe, where workers face increasing pressure due to rising parcel demand and evolving delivery standards.