Cluster: Democracy

Swiss cabinet admits Croats to labour market

This content was published on Apr 30, 2014 As part of a transitional agreement with new EU states, Croatian nationals will be given 500 one-year and short-term work permits. Switzerland will also accept Croatian vocational education and training diplomas in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, sport and construction. In addition, cabinet confirmed an enlargement contribution of CHF45 million ($50.9 million) for Croatia,…

Democracy

When initiatives play on fears and stereotypes

This content was published on Apr 30, 2014 It’s a debate the Swiss have been having since the introduction of popular initiatives in 1893. This extract from the Journal de Genève (Geneva Journal) following the acceptance by 60% of voters of an initiative put forward by German-speaking animal welfare groups on August 20 of the same year, demonstrates the passions surrounding the issue…

Opinion

Democracy

Minimum wages threaten the labour market

This content was published on Apr 24, 2014 On May 18, Swiss voters will decide on the introduction of a national minimum wage. This union demand would be a novelty in the Swiss wage structure. Until now, there has only been a collective bargaining agreement, negotiated between employers organisations and trade unions and covering only branches, regions or selected businesses. The minimum wage…

Opinion

Democracy

Minimum wages aren’t always bad for the economy

This content was published on Apr 24, 2014 Swiss workers could receive the world’s highest minimum wage if voters accept on May 18 a proposal, that, while revolutionary for Switzerland, has already been introduced in many countries. Patrick Belser, a wage specialist at the International Labour Organization, says it carries a minimal cost if applied properly. The proposed minimum wage would be regularly…

Democracy

Minimum wage grilled by catering industry

This content was published on Apr 23, 2014 Calling for the initiative to be “soundly rejected”, GastroSuisse’s vice-president Ernst Bachmann said a minimum wage fixed by the state would weaken Switzerland’s competitiveness even further and would be a return to a “salary diktat”. “We pay the wages that our profits enable us to pay,” he said at the organisation’s annual press conference in…

Democracy

Immigration vote leaves foreigners mired in confusion

This content was published on Apr 23, 2014 “I’ve worked in Belgium, Ireland and Cyprus before here and all that is the result of the EU, so for me it’s ironic to be for the first time in the middle of Europe and not be part of it, and now get the message that we are not even sure we can stay,” declared…

Democracy

The minimum wage makes a comeback

This content was published on Apr 18, 2014 There has been a flurry of recent interest in the issue of minimum earnings around the world. Across the Atlantic, US President Barack Obama has backed plans to raise the federal minimum wage level by 40% to $10.10 (CHF8.90) per hour. It is not clear whether the proposal will gain a majority in Congress, but…

Democracy

Are Gripen trade promises just an illusion?

This content was published on Apr 17, 2014 “I’ll buy 22 of your planes for CHF2.2 billion ($2.5 billion) and you, Saab, promise to sign contracts of an equal amount with Swiss companies.” That is a simplistic summary of the agreement the Swiss government wants to sign with the Swedish constructor – as long as Swiss voters play their part on May 18…

Democracy

Paedophiles ‘live in incredible shame’

This content was published on Apr 15, 2014 Director of the Forensic Institute of Eastern Switzerland (Forio) for the past decade, Egli-Alge gives expert assessments in civil and criminal cases and treats court-referred offenders. However, the majority of her patients are men with no criminal convictions who have come forward voluntarily for help. swissinfo.ch: In today’s society, paedophiles are the untouchables. It is…

Democracy

Should new jets or neighbours defend Swiss skies?

This content was published on Apr 9, 2014 In the early hours of February 16 an Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane bound for Rome was hijacked. Seeking asylum in Switzerland, the co-pilot flew the plane further northwest. The airliner was intercepted by Italian Eurofighter jets, then handed over to the French Air Force before it landed at Geneva airport. The Swiss Air Force did…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

More

Swiss cabinet admits Croats to labour market

More

When initiatives play on fears and stereotypes

More

Minimum wages threaten the labour market

More

Minimum wages aren’t always bad for the economy

More

Minimum wage grilled by catering industry

More

Immigration vote leaves foreigners mired in confusion

More

The minimum wage makes a comeback

More

Are Gripen trade promises just an illusion?

More

Paedophiles ‘live in incredible shame’

More

Should new jets or neighbours defend Swiss skies?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed