Sunrise plans major job cuts at Swiss telecoms firm

Sunrise, Switzerland’s second-largest mobile operator, is planning to cut up to 450 positions, which represents approximately 16% of its current workforce. The move is part of a broader restructuring of the company’s operating model aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in customer retention, network quality, and product development.

The company has not been profitable since 2022 and has reported net losses for three consecutive years. In addition to headcount reductions, Sunrise intends to review supplier contracts and optimize mobile-network investments. The company previously announced plans to cooperate with rival operator Salt to expand rural network coverage.

While staff in retail, sales, and customer service are expected to be largely spared, the role of artificial intelligence in this transformation remains a possibility. The Syndicom trade union has criticized the plans, calling for the company to abandon them. Consultations with employee representatives are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.