Covid-19: Swiss caterers plan nationwide vote for more money
Gastrosuisse, the umbrella organisation for the Swiss catering industry, says it wants to launch a popular initiative called “Fair compensation in the event of a pandemic”.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Swiss politics and legislation were not sufficiently prepared for the emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Gastrosuisse said at a press conference on Monday.
The authorities had a basis in the Epidemics Act for taking strict measures to protect public health, it admitted. “But there is no entitlement to compensation for the affected businesses and employees.”
As a result, these companies and employees have been compensated inadequately and much too slowly, the organisation said, adding that hundreds of thousands of people felt abandoned.
“It seems self-evident and morally justifiable that the industries that have made enormous sacrifices in this crisis should be adequately compensated,” said Casimir Platzer, president of GastroSuisse.
In January Gastrosuise warned that half of all Swiss hotels and restaurants would go bust by the end of March if they did not receive immediate financial compensation for the effects of coronavirus restrictions.
More
More
Covid-hit restaurants call for ‘compensation now’
This content was published on
Half of Swiss hotels and restaurants will go bankrupt by the end of March if they do not get immediate compensation, they say.
Restaurants and bars in Switzerland were shut for much of 2020 and have been closed since December 22, although they can offer take-away food.
Gastrosuisse said money had been promised in the context of the hardship laws – it said the government had talked about CHF10 billion ($10.7 billion) – but only part of it had reached institutions that had been badly hit.
In other words, the organisation explained, financial compensation was being paid out too slowly and varied greatly from canton to canton.
“What’s more, the amounts promised barely cover half the fixed costs on average,” Platzer complained.
He said the aim of the initiative was clear: “We must not make the same mistakes again. In the event of a new pandemic there must be adequate compensation if establishments were to be closed by the authorities.”
Gastrosuisse must now collect 100,000 valid signatures in favour of the initiative within 18 months.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
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.
How social distancing is taking hold in Switzerland
This content was published on
What began as a recommendation to avoid handshakes and kisses on cheeks has turned into a measure urging residents to stay at home.
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.