Switzerland's largest trade union is launching a campaign calling on employers to increase wages and purchasing power to offset the rising cost of living and high inflation.
Unia President Vania Alleva warned in a press release that if employers do not compensate for inflation “in full” and do not accept wage increases “worthy of the name”, social peace will be put in jeopardy. The union is calling on employers to pay up and is launching an advocacy campaign in the autumn to that end.
Although inflation remains relatively low in Switzerland, rising prices for energy and certain basic consumer goods are putting a strain on Swiss households. The cost of living in Switzerland is already among the highest in the world.
Low-income earners are particularly hard hit by the rising cost of living, according to the union. Stagnating wages have made it difficult for low- and middle-income employees, as well as pensioners, to cope with high inflation, soaring health insurance premiums and rising energy costs.
The union recommends raising the minimum wage to at least CHF4,500, or CHF5,000 for employees with a professional certification. Unia believes such a measure would be particularly beneficial for women, many of whom work in professions where wages “continue to fall arbitrarily.”
The campaign was announced on Saturday at the conclusion of a union delegates’ meeting.
Related Stories
Popular Stories
More
How ‘nearshoring’ is driving Swiss companies to move to Mexico
Swiss study examines why women and men choose different professions
This content was published on
According to a new study, the fact that there are still prevalently female and male professions is down to the nature of the job.
Swiss president unveils new theme park dedicated to Saint Bernards
This content was published on
The new Barryland theme park in Martigny, south-western Switzerland, was officially opened on Thursday in the presence of Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.
Swiss court rejects diplomats’ daughter’s request for permanent residence
This content was published on
The 17-year-old daughter of a diplomatic couple working in Switzerland is not entitled to a residence permit, the Federal Administrative Court has ruled.
Swiss hospitals urge faster recognition of foreign medical qualifications
This content was published on
Foreign doctors wishing to work in a Swiss hospital have to wait several months for their diplomas to be recognised, a situation the hospital association H+ calls 'untenable'.
Switzerland to introduce code of conduct for collecting referendum signatures
This content was published on
Commercial collectors of signatures for initiatives and referendums could be given a legally non-binding code of conduct. This proposal comes from the Federal Chancellery following the discovery of thousands of falsified signatures.
Priest in Switzerland accused of sexually assaulting minors
This content was published on
The trial of a priest accused of sexually abusing nine people opened on Thursday in the Ticino cantonal criminal court in Lugano, southern Switzerland.
Two out of three people in Switzerland use more than one language daily
This content was published on
Two out of three people in Switzerland regularly use several languages in their everyday lives, most often the country's national languages.
Destroyed Swiss village of Blatten to be rebuilt within four years
This content was published on
After the devastating landslide, Blatten in Valais should be standing again by 2029. Municipal president Matthias Bellwald confirmed the corresponding plans to the Keystone-SDA news agency on Wednesday, which he had presented at a municipal meeting the previous evening.
Lufthansa mulls importing its future Boeing aircraft via Switzerland
This content was published on
Buying new Boeing aircraft from the United States via Switzerland could reduce the US trade deficit with Switzerland and avoid punitive customs duties, says a newspaper report.
Swiss environment minister ‘hopeful’ plastic pollution treaty within reach
This content was published on
Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti said he's "hopeful until the end" that an ambitious agreement against plastic pollution can be negotiated by the end of the year.
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
Swiss food staples up to 20% more expensive from last year
This content was published on
Inflation continues to hit Swiss consumers, with the price of some food staples, such as margarine and cooking oils, rising by 20% in March on an annual basis.
Swiss inflation rate falls to lowest level since start of Ukraine war
This content was published on
As energy and import costs stabilise, inflation in the Alpine nation is now largely driven by domestic price hikes in sectors like housing.
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.