The Trade Union Federation has called for higher old age pensions and salary increases as well as a reduction in health insurance premiums to offset the decrease in purchasing power for Swiss consumers.
Presenting a list of ten measures on Thursday, federation president Pierre-Yves Maillard stressed that older people are likely to be most affected by the worsening situation.
“The purchasing power in our country is decreasing despite years of economic boom. This is unique, unjustified and worrying if we consider what would happen in times of crisis,” Maillard said.
He said it is crucial to grant old age pensioners an additional monthly payment per year and to bolster the pension scheme with surplus from the Swiss National Bank.
“We want to gain back the confidence in the old age pension system with this realistic strategy,” Maillard said.
The trade unions are preparing the launch of a people’s initiative calling for the payment of a so-called 13th pension payment a year for beneficiaries.
Reiterating previous demands, Maillard came out in favour of a proposal by the left-wing Social Democratic Party, to cap mandatory health insurance premiums to 10% of the annual income of a person.
He also called for “substantial salary increases” and an additional monthly salary in all sectors covered by collective work contracts as well as low-paid employees.
This content was published on
That’s according to the pensioner’s group Pro Senectute, and the recently-published Global AgeWatch Index, which draws on data from the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Labour Organization and the Gallup World Poll. This is despite that fact that the alpine country has the third highest gross national income per capita in the world.…
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Trade union warns of rising stress levels and falling salaries
This content was published on
Swiss employees are becoming more stressed, fearful, and unsatisfied with their working conditions, according to an annual survey.
This content was published on
Swiss trade unions have called for restrictions on temporary work and measures to improve labour conditions for employees hired for a limited period.
This content was published on
Swiss voters will soon decide if they want to increase their state pensions. But how old is the scheme itself? It's barely into retirement age.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.