Swiss trade unions Unia and Syna have rejected the so-called “shabby” wage offer made by builders.

Meanwhile, the builders maintain that it’s a good deal compared with the wages earned by other craftsmen, not to mention inflation and the "miserable" profit situation.

A seemingly insurmountable 1.7 percentage points lie between the builders’ offer and the demands of the unions, who are calling for a additional SFr150 ($151) per month. With an average salary, this would be an increase of 2.7 per cent.

The builders have proposed a wage increase of 1.0 per cent for the coming year: 0.6 per cent for a general salary increase and 0.4 per cent for individual pay increases.

The union delegates gathered in Bern on Saturday rejected the builders’ offer unanimously. They justify their position by citing the good economy and prospects.

While the Swiss Contractors' Association (SBV) agrees that there is plenty of work, it says that profits are low because of the cut-throat competition.

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