Cluster: Democracy

Future of rural doctors hinges on funding

This content was published on May 6, 2014 When he graduated from medical school some 40 years ago, Dr. Karl Haefele knew he wanted to work somewhere in the mountains. As he jokingly tells it, he took a Swiss map, closed his eyes, and threw an arrow at the centre – landing on Innertkirchen, a small community of just over 1,000 people in…

Democracy

Controversial crane causes heavy lifting

This content was published on May 6, 2014 As a piece of work, the harbour crane is certainly eye-catching: 30 metres high and with a 36-metre long arm. Painted green, it is covered in patches of rust, testament to its almost 50 years of working life in the eastern German sea port of Rostock, over 1,000 kilometres away. It arrived in Zurich at…

Democracy

Fighting over military jets in changing times

This content was published on May 5, 2014 Those expecting to see campaign history repeating itself these days have been waiting in vain and will most likely remain disappointed. There are no signs of colourful mass rallies ahead of the May 18 vote. The current campaign may appear unspectacular – even if it’s been shrill at times – compared with the shows of…

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…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

More

Future of rural doctors hinges on funding

More

Controversial crane causes heavy lifting

More

Fighting over military jets in changing times

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

Popular Stories

Most Discussed