#WintiischLiebi
“It would also be exciting to work in the country”
Winterthur is his home: Born in Eulachstadt, Gabriel Dübi has been working at the local post office for 35 years. We met him as part of the #WintiischLiebi series.
Winterthur through and through: Gabriel Dübi has never left his hometown in 51 years, even for work.
Photomontage: Ramona Kobe
Gabriel Dübi (51) has lived in Winterthur for 51 years. He has also never left his hometown for his job: he has been working at the post office for 35 years and fills the local mailboxes with letters and cards. He is aware that digitization does not stop at the yellow giant, but does not intimidate him.
Mr. Dübi, what does a typical working day in your life look like?
Gabriel Dubi: I get up pretty early, between 4 and 5 o’clock. I start work at 6 a.m. First we prepare the tours, then we go out until just before noon. Once all the letters have been distributed, I do some office work and prepare for the next day.
In which district are you traveling?
I run six different tours, all from the Mattenbach district towards the city.
Do you know?
I get asked regularly. Ever since we’ve been written to, more and more often by name.
And what are you talking about?
I am often asked for directions or postal products. Others just enjoy a little chat. And in fact, many thank you for our daily work, which makes me particularly happy.
You have been working as a postman in Winterthur for 35 years. Doesn’t another city appeal to you?
Working in the country would certainly also be exciting. The distances would be longer and I would distribute both letters and parcels.
But?
I just like Winterthur. I like being here. The size is ideal – you can reach everything by bike and you can be in the countryside quickly from anywhere.
Would you say that your work has changed over the years?
Yes, definitely. I did my apprenticeship in the letter center at the train station. This no longer exists today. Digitization does not stop at the post office either, letter post is becoming less and less important. It’s nice that we’re still in contact with customers. I really appreciate this one.
Gabriel Dübi has been working for the post office for 35 years: first at the train station, later in Töss, today in Grüze.
Ramona Kobe
Will your profession die out?
No, I do not think so. At least packages have to be delivered in the future, and we are needed for that. Parcel flows were enormous during the pandemic, but the number of parcels is currently decreasing. Compared to 2019, the increase is still 30 percent. There are always new tasks for us. For example, we have been collecting coffee capsules for a number of years.
Obligatory final question: Where can you be found in Winterthur when you are not sitting on the Post scooter?
In the Wintifit, in the forest on a bike ride or in the old town.
