Workplace Switzerland

Unions denounce wage dumping

This content was published on Oct 30, 2004 An estimated 15,000 people demonstrated in the capital, Bern – the first public show of force since Unia was founded two weeks ago. Union leaders expressed outrage over an increasing number of cases of wage dumping, following the opening up of the Swiss labour market to European Union citizens. Under the terms of a bilateral…

Unions close ranks over new working conditions

This content was published on Oct 12, 2004 Union leaders say the move is in response to economic changes since the mid-1990s, which have placed greater demands on workers. The new Unia trade union, which will be founded at a congress in Basel, brings together four unions representing the construction and engineering industries as well as employees in the retail and catering sectors.…

Unions say wage dumping is now reality

This content was published on Sep 29, 2004 The Swiss government admits that wage dumping has become a problem in some cantons, but denies that it is widespread. On June 1 the second phase of a bilateral accord with Brussels came into effect, removing the priority previously given to Swiss workers in the domestic labour market. At the time, union leaders warned that…

Unions mobilise against public service cuts

This content was published on Sep 23, 2004 Workers, who are being supported by an unprecedented alliance of 17 unions and public service associations, are calling on politicians to reject the proposals. The coalition, which represents 330,000 members, warned on Thursday that budget cuts would hit vital areas of public services. The planned cuts totalling more than SFr9 billion ($7.15 billion), according to…

Young Swiss lack the right tools for work

This content was published on Sep 8, 2004 The report, compiled by the Swiss National Science Foundation, calls for greater emphasis on more general skills, such as project management and problem solving. According to the “Training and Employment” study, published on Wednesday, Switzerland is too heavily geared towards vocational training. “The modern job market [especially in the service sector] no longer requires professionals…

Government raises bar for pension funds

This content was published on Sep 1, 2004 The 0.25 per cent rise has been met with mixed reactions from trade unions and the Centre-Left, as well as the insurance industry. Announcing the increase on Wednesday, the interior ministry said the government had noted the recovery in the financial markets over the past 12 months and new profitable investment opportunities. The cabinet also…

Swiss politicians provide good value for money

This content was published on Aug 27, 2004 A study of 20 parliaments found that Switzerland’s had the lowest operating costs, primarily because its part-time parliamentarians are paid so little. The study, carried out by Bern University’s Institute of Political Science, was based on information from the past legislative term – 1999 to 2003 – and related only to the House of Representatives.…

Hardworking Swiss pay through the nose

This content was published on Aug 11, 2004 A government study also showed that the Swiss are Europe’s biggest earners, but their buying power is limited by the high cost of living. Although the Swiss take home more money than any of their European counterparts, they are ranked only seventh in terms of purchasing power. The international labour market comparison, which was released…

Poverty alarm sounds in Swiss cities

This content was published on Jul 13, 2004 The study of nine urban areas in northern Switzerland showed an “alarming” ten per cent rise in welfare cases in 2003. The report, compiled by Urban Initiative, noted that welfare cases rose by 15 per cent in Zurich and Basel. The organisation, which represents 50 Swiss towns and cities, called for an end to cutbacks,…

Bank employee shoots his bosses

This content was published on Jul 5, 2004 Police said the incident occurred on Monday morning and appeared to be related to a workplace dispute. Police said the gunman, a 56-year-old financial adviser, opened fire on two senior managers at the Zurich Cantonal Bank in central Zurich shortly after arriving at work on Monday. The man, who was married with children, fired several…

Workplace Switzerland

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Workplace Switzerland

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Unions denounce wage dumping

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Unions close ranks over new working conditions

More

Unions say wage dumping is now reality

More

Unions mobilise against public service cuts

More

Young Swiss lack the right tools for work

More

Government raises bar for pension funds

More

Swiss politicians provide good value for money

More

Hardworking Swiss pay through the nose

More

Poverty alarm sounds in Swiss cities

More

Bank employee shoots his bosses

Popular Stories

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