Compromise fails in building industry
Employers in the construction industry have rejected a compromise plan to resolve a conflict over flexible working hours and salaries.
At a meeting on Thursday to discuss the proposal, delegates called for fresh negotiations on a new collective labour accord with the unions, saying the plan was insufficient.
In December committees from both sides had come out in favour of the plan, mediated by a government-appointed expert to end more than six months of protests and strikes at major building sites across the country.
The unions, which represent about 80,000 workers, have denounced the employers’ decision as irresponsible and have threatened to resume protests. A final vote is expected on Saturday.
The labour contract was due to come into force in February for a period of three years.
Strikes are a rare occurrence in Switzerland.
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