Pharmaceutical company CSL Behring is planning to reduce its workforce at its Wankdorf site in Bern. The company confirmed on Monday that job cuts are necessary for long-term success and to maintain its global role in healthcare. The exact number of affected positions has not been officially disclosed by the company, but local reports suggest a significant reduction.
Key Takeaways
- CSL Behring is implementing job cuts at its Bern Wankdorf facility.
- The company cites the need for "further development" to ensure long-term success.
- Approximately 180 jobs are reportedly at risk in Bern.
- The planned reductions exceed the threshold for a mandatory consultation process.
- This local action follows a global workforce reduction announcement by parent company CSL Limited.
Workforce Reduction at Bern Site
CSL Behring, a global biopharmaceutical company with its parent company based in Melbourne, Australia, is initiating a workforce reduction. The cuts will impact various functions within its Swiss operations, particularly at the Wankdorf location in Bern.
The company stated that these measures are part of a broader strategy. They aim to secure CSL Behring's position as a reliable partner in the global healthcare system for the future. This move reflects a focus on operational efficiency and strategic alignment.
Quick Facts
- Company: CSL Behring (Swiss subsidiary of CSL Limited)
- Location: Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland
- Confirmed Action: Planned job cuts
- Reported Number of Affected Jobs: Approximately 180
- Current Bern Workforce: Around 1,800 employees
Consultation Process Initiated
While CSL Behring has not confirmed the specific number of jobs to be cut, the company indicated that the reductions exceed the threshold requiring a formal consultation process. Swiss labor law mandates consultations when more than 30 employees are dismissed in companies with over 300 staff members.
CSL Behring currently employs approximately 1,800 people in Bern. This means the company is well within the parameters for mandatory consultation procedures, ensuring employee representation in the process.
"This 'further development' is necessary to be successful in the long term and to secure our role as a reliable partner in healthcare worldwide."
Broader Context of Global Restructuring
The planned job cuts in Bern are not an isolated event. They align with a larger restructuring initiative announced by the parent company, CSL Limited.
Last August, CSL Limited revealed plans to reduce its global workforce by up to 15 percent across all its sites. This global directive sets the stage for regional adjustments, including those now impacting the Bern facility.
Background Information
CSL Behring is a leading global biotherapeutics company. It manufactures plasma-derived therapies and recombinant products. These products are used to treat serious diseases like hemophilia, primary immune deficiencies, and hereditary angioedema.
The company has a significant presence in Switzerland, particularly in research and development, and manufacturing. Its operations contribute substantially to the local economy and employment.
Impact on Research and Development
Before this latest announcement, CSL Behring also confirmed changes within its research and development (R&D) sector. The Bern R&D department is being merged with a unit located in Zurich.
This consolidation indicates a strategic shift in how the company organizes its innovation efforts in Switzerland. The long-term implications for R&D roles in Bern remain to be fully seen, but the merger suggests a more centralized approach.
Looking Ahead for Employees
The consultation process will involve discussions between company management and employee representatives. The goal is to mitigate the impact of the job cuts where possible. This can include exploring options such as internal transfers, early retirement, or support for finding new employment.
Employees affected by these changes face a period of uncertainty. The company's commitment to a fair and transparent consultation process will be crucial during this challenging time. Local authorities and labor organizations will likely monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance with legal requirements and employee welfare.
- The consultation process is mandatory due to the number of planned dismissals.
- Employee representatives will engage with management to discuss alternatives.
- Support measures for affected employees are typically part of such processes.