Papieri's workforce and family-feel culture

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Papieri's workforce and family-feel culture

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When work feels like being part of a big family

The paper mill employed up to 1,000 people in a wide range of different jobs. But, no matter what area they were working in, the 'Papieri folk' definitely shared a strong feeling of belonging, not least because most worked shifts.

For 100 years, the paper mill was the biggest employer in the Ennetsee region. This meant that its apprenticeships and jobs were much sought after. Having a job at Papieri meant having a job for life.

Many of the Papieri folk also participated in the factory's own associations and clubs. These clubs added yet another dimension to having a job at the paper mill because it meant that the people working there would also spend a lot of their free time together – like a big Papieri family.

Images

Work at the Hollander beater required a delicate touch. (c. 1960)
Many of the Papieri workers lived in the paper mill's houses, as here on Rigistrasse in Cham.
Josef Bieri-Freimann (1907–1989) worked at the paper mill, as did his four sons. (1969)
There was great solidarity among the paper machine crews. (c. 1970)

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For more detailed information about the workforce, take a look here: