The head of Employees Switzerland, a union group representing workers in some of Switzerland’s leading export branches, says raising the retirement age in Switzerland is unavoidable, as the state pension fund continues to face major financial pressures.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Español
es
Inevitable aumentar la edad de retiro en Suiza: sindicato
In the newspaper interview, the 58-year-old union leader warned that the first pillar of the country’s pension scheme was in a critical state. He said that even if the ailing old age pension system gets the CHF2 billion ($2 billion) financial boost promised if the corporate tax/pension reform initiative passes on May 19, the federal authorities still predict an accumulated deficit of CHF170 billion by 2045 if no further reforms are undertaken.
Old ways of thinking must be abandoned to ensure sustainable restructuring, said Studer.
“If employees are valued, many are willing to work longer, possibly with a lower workload,” he said. “Most people enjoy their jobs and work in a profession that gives meaning to their lives.”
But he added that certain physically demanding professions, like the construction industry, do not allow people to work until 65. Consequently, it’s important to offer a more flexible retirement age, said Studer.
The Employees Switzerland umbrella group represents 60 staff associations in some of Switzerland’s leading export branches – engineering, electrical and metal industries, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It has more than 16,000 members.
swissinfo.ch
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
Swiss defence minister reaffirms military cooperation with neighbours
This content was published on
On his first trip abroad in government, Defence Minister Martin Pfister visited the Swiss troops taking part in a major exercise in Austria.
Trade unions mobilise against right-wing extremist circles
This content was published on
Under the motto 'Solidarity instead of agitation - strong together!' May Day events are taking place throughout Switzerland this Thursday.
Left-wing extremists in Switzerland call for ‘militant’ rallies on May 1
This content was published on
Left-wing extremist groups are mobilising on social media. The violent activist scene is a focal point for the intelligence community.
Majority of Swiss opt for early retirement, says survey
This content was published on
Six people out of ten (58%) stop working before the official retirement age in Switzerland, reports the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper.
As Switzerland ages, the pension system gets stretched
This content was published on
2016 is an important year for the future of the Swiss old age insurance scheme. Parliament is in the midst of discussing the “Retirement 2020” project, and at the end of September, voters will have their say on a people’s initiative that would require a 10% increase in the amount that pensioners receive from the…
This content was published on
The Swiss cabinet and parliament are wrangling over reforms to the country's pension scheme. How does the current system work?
Corporate tax and pension reform: a complex two-headed vote
This content was published on
Two years after a corporate tax overhaul was rejected by voters, the issue is back before the electorate – this time linked to pension reform.
This content was published on
Swiss voters have thrown out a sweeping reform of old age pensions in the latest unsuccessful attempt to amend the social security system.
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.