Workplace Switzerland

Schumacher drives into labour dispute

This content was published on Sep 2, 2005 A trade union has found that six French stonemasons at his Lake Geneva property were being paid less than half the Swiss minimum. The revelation comes just weeks before voters in Switzerland are due to decide whether to open the labour market to workers from the ten new European Union member states. Opponents of the…

Swiss urged to embrace new EU member states

This content was published on Aug 26, 2005 André von Graffenried also said Switzerland’s image could suffer if it failed to admit workers from the new European Union member states. Poland, the largest of the ten new EU member states, has an unemployment rate of 18 per cent. Swiss concerns have focused on the “Polish plumber”, a symbol of the migrant east European…

Italian unions have no fear of Slovene workers

This content was published on Aug 25, 2005 But a visit by swissinfo to Italy’s border with Slovenia showed that union bosses on both sides are firmly behind the accord, saying it offers the best protection against wage dumping. Opponents say native Swiss and people already working in Switzerland would be forced to accept lower pay or look for other jobs, if the…

Finance minister lobbies Swiss abroad

This content was published on Aug 19, 2005 Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz presented in Munich on Friday the government’s position on extending the Swiss labour market to citizens of new EU member states. “Greek specialities in the beer garden” says the sign outside Munich’s Swiss House. Inside, Hans-Rudolf Merz is trying to convince his audience that Switzerland must vote “yes” on September 25.…

Row breaks out over apprenticeships

This content was published on Aug 10, 2005 However, the government said there were enough training places available – just not in all professions. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, senior trade union official Peter Sigerist said the number of training places on offer had to increase by between 15 and 20 per cent to cover demand. He added that the situation…

Zurich airport taxi strike has ended

This content was published on Jul 15, 2005 The Unia trade union accepted an offer from employers IG Airport Taxi to negotiate a new collective labour contract but gave up demands for a minimum salary. The compromise fell short of initial demands for a SFr4,000 ($3,088) minimum monthly wage guarantee, but instead grants a 13th monthly salary and better sick pay benefits. Both…

Opponents of labour accord raise their voices

This content was published on Jul 8, 2005 The government, the business community, unions and the Swiss Farmers’ Association have already come out in favour of extending the bilateral treaty with Brussels. The committee for “safe jobs and healthy social insurances” issued its warning at a news conference in Bern on Friday ahead of a nationwide vote on September 25. It came only…

Unemployment falls again

This content was published on Jul 7, 2005 The jobless rate fell in June for the fifth month in a row, from 3.7 to 3.6 per cent. The number of jobseekers has also dropped. At the end of the June 140,661 people were registered as unemployed, a decline of 4,709 on the previous month. Geneva was the only canton to report a rise…

Why are Swiss voters so sceptical?

This content was published on Jul 4, 2005 On Monday the cabinet joined trade unions and business leaders calling for a “yes” vote in September, saying it would boost the economy but not damage the workforce. The cabinet left no doubt as to its position, presenting a united front to the media on Monday. Calling for a “yes” vote were the rightwing justice…

Labour accord campaign launched

This content was published on Jul 4, 2005 The authorities reassured voters ahead of this September’s nationwide vote that Switzerland could handle the opening of its market to eastern European workers. Economics Minister Joseph Deiss, Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and Justice Minister Christoph Blocher said the extension of the bilateral accord on the free movement of workers was good for the economy, socially…

Workplace Switzerland

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Workplace Switzerland

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Schumacher drives into labour dispute

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Swiss urged to embrace new EU member states

More

Italian unions have no fear of Slovene workers

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Finance minister lobbies Swiss abroad

More

Row breaks out over apprenticeships

More

Zurich airport taxi strike has ended

More

Opponents of labour accord raise their voices

More

Unemployment falls again

More

Why are Swiss voters so sceptical?

More

Labour accord campaign launched

Popular Stories

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