Trade Union Federation says “yes” to bilateral accords with EU

The Swiss Trade Union Federation, which incorporates the main unions in the country, formally endorsed the wide-ranging bilateral accords with the European Union Monday.

The Swiss Trade Union Federation, which incorporates the main unions in the country, formally endorsed the wide-ranging bilateral accords with the European Union Monday.

Trade union delegates meeting in the capital Berne voted overwhelmingly in favour of supporting the accords, which include economic and technical cooperation, agricultural trade, road and rail traffic and the free movement of people.

The Swiss parliament ratified the accords earlier this month, following a heated debate about the advantages and disadvantages of agreements that will move Switzerland closer to the EU than ever.

The endorsement by the Trade Union Federation was widely expected after parliamentarians had agreed to a series of safety-net regulations that are meant to protect Swiss workers from the potential dangers of salary dumping once the accords take effect.

The free movement of people had been of particular concern for trade unions, which feared that workers from EU nations might come to Switzerland to work for salaries much lower than the average Swiss was prepared to work for.

Trade unions said such salary dumping could effectively lead to higher unemployment and, in the longer term, lead to a drop in living standards for Swiss workers.

Monday’s endorsement by the union representatives means another boost for the accords, which Swiss voters are expected to vote on as right-wing parties have said they will force a referendum.

The parties say the agreements violate Swiss sovereignty and open the door to too many foreigners.

Swiss industry has been in favour of the accords all along, arguing that the accords will bring billions of Swiss francs in economic benefits.



From staff and wire reports.