COVID-19
Open letter to
the Federal Government
For the attention of the Federal Government
Swiss Federal Chancellery
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern
Addressee: the entire Federal Council
Copy: all members of the National Council and the Council of States
Zufikon, April 20, 2020
Dear Madam Federal Councillors,
Dear Sir Federal Councillors,
About us: We, G. Bianchi AG, are a family-owned company with a long-standing tradition. For 139 years and now in our fifth generation, we have managed the import, processing, and sale of fish, meat, and other fresh and frozen food products. Our diverse clientele ranges from five-star hotels, youth hostels, hospitals, and retirement homes to Michelin-starred restaurants, village pubs, and canteens. More than 14,000 businesses are among our partners, whom we supply daily throughout Switzerland. Every single customer is important to us. Since our founding, we have cared for our employees, paying wages punctually and fairly. These are the values we stand for as a family and a company.
Our situation: The Federal Council’s decision on Thursday, April 16, 2020, shocked us. An industry that accounts for over 200,000 jobs (excluding all suppliers in the value chain) was simply omitted from your statement. For us and for many companies in our industry, your decision represents a significant, even existential, blow. The lack of clarity and planning with which you left us is grave for us and all catering companies, leaving behind a sense of powerlessness. Patiently waiting out the Corona crisis is not an option for us; summer planning is being made impossible, and bankruptcy inevitably threatens numerous restaurants, hotels, and bars, which you are irresponsibly abandoning to their fate—economic death.
Our request: An economic sector as vital as the catering and hotel industry relies on clear leadership decisions; we need a Corona crisis plan. We expect the Federal Council to review and promptly approve the hygiene and safety concept submitted by the catering industry. We expect transparent communication and fair cooperation, especially during this crisis, and we request a concrete plan for the reopening of all catering establishments.
We urgently request a statement and constructive proposals for the catering industry.
Kind regards,
Luca Bianchi & Dario Bianchi
G. Bianchi AG
Allmendweg 6
5621 Zufikon