Work pension challenge targets age-related unfair dismissals
A lobby group representing the interests of older workers has launched a people’s initiative to reform the occupational pension system to reduce the incentive for employers to sack people once they pass the age of 50.
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2 minutes
swissinfo.ch with SDA-ATS; mga/urs
The Workfair 50+External link group announced on Tuesday its intention of forcing a nationwide vote on the issue. It wants pension laws to be changed to make workplace pension fund contributions the same for everyone regardless of age.
At present, both workers and employers pay increasing amounts as employees move into older age brackets. Workfair 50+ said it had conducted a survey that found 1,200 people who felt that age discrimination had led to their dismissal.
The “Occupational Benefits – work instead of poverty” initiative is looking to gather 100,000 signatures by January 10, 2020, which would spark a nationwide vote. Organisers of the initiative said their minimum expectation is to force the government to come up with an acceptable counter-proposal if the initiative gets off the ground.
In 2010, voters rejected a proposal backed by both the government and parliament to reform the occupational pension system, which would have resulted in reduced payouts had it been successful.
Overhauling Switzerland’s creaking state pension system has also proved difficult. Last year, voters turned down a proposed reforms, including an idea to raise the age of retirement for women. This was the third time in 20 years that proposals to overhaul the system had been shot down at the polls.
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Left wins vote against cuts in pension benefits
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In two other ballots, the Swiss also threw out a plan for special attorneys to defend the right of animals. However, a constitutional amendment on human research was adopted. Final results show nearly 73 per cent of voters dismissing a cut in pension benefits. Turnout was on average 45 per cent. The proposed reductions, agreed…
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Swiss voters have thrown out a sweeping reform of old age pensions in the latest unsuccessful attempt to amend the social security system.
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