Workplace Switzerland

Government moves to curb illegal working

This content was published on Jun 18, 2004 The government wants to crack down on the black economy with a raft of tough measures and penalties, which were debated in parliament on Thursday. The House of Representatives accepted the government’s draft legislation by an overwhelming majority. The project will now be submitted to the Senate. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) estimates…

Unions sound alarm as labour barriers come down

This content was published on Jun 1, 2004 Two years ago, Swiss nationals were given leave to work in most EU countries as part of a bilateral agreement to dismantle restrictions on the movement of workers. Bern is now obliged to lift labour restrictions on EU nationals as part of a reciprocal agreement allowing for the free movement of labour, which came into…

Controversial pension cuts come under fire

This content was published on May 11, 2004 The government and a centre-right majority in parliament argue, however, that the pension scheme risks coming unstuck if nothing is done to prop up its finances. Under the plans, approved by parliament last year, the retirement age for women would be raised to 65, benefits for widows would gradually be reduced and pensions would only…

Postal workers protest over pay and longer hours

This content was published on Feb 27, 2004 They were demonstrating against a major cost-cutting programme and plans to scrap their collective labour contract. A two-hour work stoppage also took place in Geneva, Lausanne, Biel, Lucerne, St Gallen and in canton Ticino. The Communications Union claims changes planned by Swiss Post to the collective work contract will lead to increased hours, lower wages…

Safeguards for young workers under threat

This content was published on Feb 13, 2004 They fear vulnerable employees will be forced to work longer hours, with few restrictions on dangerous work. Current legislation provides special protection for young workers up to the age of 19 and apprentices up to the age of 20. The law states that they cannot work night shifts or at weekend, and they are not…

No way out of the welfare trap?

This content was published on Jan 30, 2004 In an interview with swissinfo, the president of the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare, Walter Schmid, agrees that reform is needed. The number of people claiming some sort of benefit rose ten per cent in 2003 to 300,000, or almost five per cent of the population. Schmid agrees that the welfare system needs to adapt…

Government moves to ease claims jungle

This content was published on Jan 29, 2004 It has issued a new handbook to officials to try to improve coordination between the various departments and agencies which handle welfare requests. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) is distributing the book among 700 cantonal offices. Aimed at those seeking invalidity and unemployment benefit, it is designed to prevent people being sent round…

Unions attack retail giant Migros

This content was published on Jan 22, 2004 The company, which employs 80,000 people, dismissed Thursday’s action as a “publicity stunt” aimed at attracting new union members. Union officials circulated flyers to staff accusing the company of violating employees’ rights. Migros denounced the claims as unfounded and announced it would hold a press conference on Friday to defend its position. “These demonstrations are…

Young jobless struggle to find work

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Though the number of unemployed 15- to 24-year-olds fell in February, experts warn that the figures mask the jobless reality for many young people. “The unemployment statistics do not tell the full story of how many young people are in a desperate situation after leaving school,” warns Mario Bugnon, who runs job training schemes in…

Credit Suisse enters economic reform debate

This content was published on Jan 8, 2004 Alois Bischofberger, the chief economist of Credit Suisse, on Wednesday said ordinary Swiss need to actively help reform the economy to boost growth. Bischofberger said the recent federal cabinet elections had provided a fresh opportunity for economic reform. However, he said encouraging growth in Switzerland was not only the job of the government. “Everyone needs…

Workplace Switzerland

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Workplace Switzerland

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Government moves to curb illegal working

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Unions sound alarm as labour barriers come down

More

Controversial pension cuts come under fire

More

Postal workers protest over pay and longer hours

More

Safeguards for young workers under threat

More

No way out of the welfare trap?

More

Government moves to ease claims jungle

More

Unions attack retail giant Migros

More

Young jobless struggle to find work

More

Credit Suisse enters economic reform debate

Popular Stories

Most Discussed